Novak Djokovic opened up about Jannik Sinner's doping controversy during a revealing interview with Piers Morgan. The 24-time Major champion addressed one of the sport's most debated topics since his own deportation from Australia.
The Serb did not shy away from weighing in on the issue. Novak called for greater transparency and consistency in how tennis handles such sensitive matters.
Djokovic acknowledged the complexity of Sinner's case. The veteran points out that many players and fans questioned the timing and leniency of the sanction that did not take much from the Italian.
For Novak, fairness and uniform standars are fundamental to maintaining integrity in the sport, regarless of who made a mistake, world no. 1 or world no. 325.
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The Serb made it clear that he believes in the Italian's character and intentions. However, he emphasized that responsability stands unavoidable under the rules, regardless of intent.
As always, Djokovic expressed deep empathy for Sinner. The 24-time Major winner noted how difficult it must be to navigate public scrutiny and professional competition under the spotlight.
The doping story is fading away, and Jannik has kept his composure and continued to perform at an elite level after missing three months of competition, although no Majors.
Ultimately, Novak's comments reflected his experience and his understanding of the pressures that come with being at the top. His message blended fairness and compassion and called for clarity in governance.
"Jannik's case suffers from a lack of transparency. The inconsistency is also present. The convenience of the ban coming between the Majors so he does not miss out - it was very odd. I do not like how the case was being handled.
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You could hear many other players, both male and female, who had similar situations coming out in the media and complaining that it was preferable treatment. I want to believe Jannik.
Knowing my history with him, I think he did not do it on purpose. However, the responsibility remains, because those are the rules when something like this happens. Some other players were banned for years after doing something very similar.
On the other hand, he was banned for a provisional three months or whatever it was. It was not right. It's not easy for Jannik. I do have a sense of empathy and compassion for him.
I think he has handled the storm in the media that keeps coming back every once in a while. He is handling that very maturely and steadily, and kudos to him for that. In the midst of all of that, he is still dominating and playing incredibly while winning Majors," Novak Djokovic said.
