Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has expressed concerns regarding the issues surrounding Jannik Sinner’s doping case and subsequent suspension in early 2025. The Italian player accepted a three-month ban following two positive tests in 2024.
Initially, Sinner escaped punishment as a tribunal determined that the two failed tests for clostebol, an anabolic steroid, were due to contamination during a massage by his fitness coach. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found that Sinner was not at fault for the positive results discovered in March 2024.
The ITIA defended its handling of Sinner’s case last year and refuted claims of preferential treatment. In February, Sinner reached an agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency, which had contested the initial decision not to suspend him.
Ranked No. 2 globally, Sinner served his suspension from February to May this year, strategically timed to allow him to participate in the French Open which began in late May.
Djokovic, who lost to Sinner in the semi-finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon in July, shared his thoughts on Sinner’s situation during a comprehensive discussion with journalist Piers Morgan.
“He will always carry this with him,” Djokovic remarked. “I have known Jannik since he was about 13 or 14 years old, and I practiced with him many times during his junior years. He always struck me as genuine, nice, and reserved.”
“He was focused on his game and not swayed by societal pressures,” Djokovic continued. “I was genuinely surprised when this incident occurred. I believe he did not intentionally break any rules. However, the handling of the case raised numerous concerns.”
Djokovic faced criticism for his stance on the Covid-19 pandemic, notably being deported from Australia in 2022 for not being vaccinated.
In a statement, Djokovic clarified, “I have always advocated for freedom of choice regarding vaccination. Unfortunately, this was misunderstood.”
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports package ahead of the 2025/26 season, offering savings of £192 and showcasing over 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL, and more. Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 matches compared to the previous season.