CNN
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A recent statement by Novak Djokovic highlights concerns over “favoritism” affecting the integrity of tennis’s anti-doping framework, particularly following the three-month suspension of Jannik Sinner.

The world No. 1, Sinner, accepted a ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) effective from February 9 to May 4, following a case that attracted attention since the 2025 Australian Open due to his two positive tests for the prohibited substance Clostebol in March of the previous year.

Initially, he dodged a suspension when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) stated in August that he bore no responsibility for the positive results. However, WADA subsequently filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This led to the recent announcement regarding Sinner’s ongoing suspension, although the three-time Grand Slam champion is still allowed to compete in the upcoming French Open.

“This situation does not portray our sport positively, that’s certain,” Djokovic remarked during a press conference prior to his opening match at the Qatar Open.

“From my conversations in the locker room—spanning not just the days leading up to this but also the past several months—a significant number of players are unhappy with the management of this situation.”

“Most players sense unfairness in this process. They perceive favoritism exists in how situations are addressed, and it appears those at the top can influence outcomes more readily due to their access to high-profile legal representation.”

In discussions with BBC Sport on Monday, British tennis player Liam Broady expressed his belief that the ban’s timing appeared designed to minimize disruption to Sinner’s career, noting that it concludes just before the Rome Masters—the premier event in Sinner’s home country and a key lead-up to the French Open.

“It seems unlikely he’ll lose any ranking points or his No. 1 position, making this ban quite intriguing. I likened it to a footballer being sidelined during the summer when no matches occur.”

After his case became public, Sinner revealed that the positive results were due to “unintentional Clostebol contamination,” traced back to his physiotherapist’s treatment. He indicated that the physiotherapist used an over-the-counter spray on their own skin, not Sinner’s, for a minor injury.

Having initially avoided suspension due to these positive tests, Sinner managed to maintain his status at the top of the world rankings and secure Grand Slam victories at the 2024 US Open and this year’s Australian Open.

The way tennis authorities managed Sinner’s situation, alongside the case of women’s world No. 2 Iga Świątek, has faced scrutiny. Świątek accepted a one-month ban for testing positive for the forbidden substance trimetazidine after the ITIA concluded her “level of fault was minimal.”

Two-time Grand Slam titleholder Simona Halep criticized the “disparity in treatment” she experienced, receiving a four-year ban from the ITIA for testing positive for Roxadustat during the 2022 US Open. Halep asserted that her doping violations were unintentional, and in March of last year, CAS agreed, reducing her backdated ban to nine months, which cleared her return to the sport.

In reaction to Halep’s claim of double standards, the ITIA informed CNN that they “evaluate every case based on concrete facts and evidence, not influenced by an athlete’s name, rank, or nationality.”

Halep announced her retirement early this month, conveying the difficulty of maintaining the high standards she expects of herself.

“I believe it’s the right time to reassess our current system, as the existing structure clearly fails to uphold anti-doping protocols,” stated Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam singles champion.

“The lack of consistency is disheartening for all athletes,” he added. “By addressing each case separately, which is currently the method, we undermine consistency and transparency. Presently, there’s a fundamental lack of trust from male and female tennis players regarding WADA, the ITIA, and the entire doping administration process.”

Meanwhile, Australian player Nick Kyrgios commented via a post on X, mentioning he received numerous messages from “multiple players” expressing disgust over Sinner’s suspension.

An ITIA spokesperson shared with CNN on Tuesday: “Every situation is unique, but our approach remains consistent, regardless of a player’s status or rankings. We fully recognize that anti-doping regulations can be intricate and occasionally perplexing, hence we dedicate considerable resources to educating players and staff about the rules and their application.”

“We encourage players and their teams to engage proactively with the ITIA regarding any concerns or queries regarding the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.”

Representatives for Sinner opted not to comment further when contacted by CNN.

“This matter has affected me for nearly a year, and the resolution process could extend far into the year,” Sinner stated previously regarding his suspension.

“I have always acknowledged my accountability for my team’s actions and believe WADA’s regulations are crucial to protect the sport I cherish. For this reason, I agreed to WADA’s proposal for a three-month ban to resolve this issue.”

On Saturday, WADA announced that it “acknowledges that Mr. Sinner did not intend to cheat, and his exposure to Clostebol did not confer any performance-enhancing advantages.”

In an updated statement to CNN on Tuesday, WADA remarked: “We believe justice has been served in this situation and the sanction is proportional to the violation committed.”

“WADA is satisfied with how this matter has been addressed transparently, ensuring that all relevant facts were made accessible to the public. The fairness demonstrated in this exceptional instance, where the penalty aligns with the violation, underscores the effectiveness of the system.”