Novak Djokovic recently expressed his understanding of why some tennis players are questioning the double-standard that seems to exist in the sport. This discussion arose after Jannik Sinner, despite testing positive for steroids twice, was not suspended. Djokovic acknowledged the frustration felt by players due to the lack of consistency in such cases.
Sinner’s situation dates back to March when he tested positive for an anabolic steroid on two separate occasions. The International Tennis Integrity Agency concluded that the banned substance entered Sinner’s system unintentionally through a massage from his physiotherapist. This ruling came just a week before Sinner was set to play in the US Open as the No. 1 seed.
Djokovic highlighted the need for standardized and clear protocols in such instances. He mentioned that some players have questioned whether they are treated the same, especially in cases where the outcome varies. The concern is whether financial resources play a role in the final decision, as players who can afford better legal representation may have more favorable outcomes.
As a co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association, Djokovic emphasized the importance of advocating for clear and fair protocols across the board. The aim is to ensure that every player is subjected to the same standards and approaches when handling similar cases.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open champion, also weighed in on Sinner’s case, referring to it as a delicate issue. He hinted that there might be more to the story than meets the eye, and that there could be reasons behind allowing Sinner to continue playing that are not publicly known. Alcaraz expressed caution in discussing the matter further due to its complexity and the lack of complete information available.
The debate around double-standards in tennis continues to raise eyebrows and spark conversations among players and fans alike. The call for more transparency, consistency, and fairness in handling cases involving banned substances is crucial to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the sport. As players like Djokovic and Alcaraz share their perspectives, it becomes evident that there is a need for clearer guidelines and protocols to prevent such controversies in the future.