Novak Djokovic has reiterated the need for reforms in tennis’ anti-doping adjudication, expressing concerns over perceived “favouritism” that affects the results of doping cases. Following Jannik Sinner’s recent three-month suspension by WADA, Djokovic highlighted the disparity in how lesser-ranked players are treated compared to stars like Sinner and former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. He stated, “Many players feel it’s unfair and suspect that outcomes can be influenced if one has access to top lawyers.”
Djokovic called for a complete overhaul of the system, noting the prolonged struggles faced by less prominent players in their efforts to clear their names after being wrongly accused. He cited the case of Simona Halep, who initially received a four-year ban for a doping violation but saw her penalty reduced on appeal.
The legendary player emphasised that the current process is inconsistent and lacks transparency, leading to diminished trust among athletes in organisations like WADA and the ITIA. In light of Sinner’s situation, Djokovic urged governing bodies within tennis to collaborate on a more effective approach to anti-doping. He concluded that without standardisation and fairness in handling cases, athletes will continue to feel sceptical about the system’s integrity.