WADA Appeal of Sinner’s Doping Case Creates Bad Look For Tennis

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesdsay October 2, 2024

Novak Djokovic says Jannik Sinner’s ongoing appeal with the World Anti-Doping Agency is giving the sport a bad look. Speaking in Shanghai, where he will take his place the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic gave his thoughts on the latest turn in Sinner’s doping case.

“I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well,” Djokovic said. “So, I guess that’s probably something that even the people who are not following our sport are realizing. There are way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved and this whole case is not helping our sport at all.”

Last week we learned that WADA was in the process of appealing Sinner’s case, and was seeking a one to two year ban.

Djokovic sympathises with Sinner, who appeared to have the worst of the case behind him when he announced that he had avoided a ban after appealing to the ITIA.

“I think he has won the three appeals so far, and it must be very tough for him and his team and family,” Djokovic said. “It’s impressive what he has been doing, in the whole process of what’s been happening, that he’s playing at such a high level, winning Grand Slam and, you know, winning most of the matches that he plays. The Serian legend added that he hopes the case will be put in the rearview in short time.

“Hopefully, we can go back to tennis,” he said.

“This situation or these circumstances are not positive for our sport, so hopefully we can resolve this case as soon as possible. Whatever’s going to happen, at the end of the day, I just wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible. Yeah, that’s all I have to say about that.”