Novak Djokovic bluntly calls out 'red flags' & 'inconsistency' in Jannik Sinner's doping case despite his compassion for Italian

Novak Djokovic recently spoke up about ATP rival Jannik Sinner's doping saga. The Italian twice tested positive for the banned performance-enhancing substance Clostebol last year and served a three-month ban in early 2025. However, Sinner's suspension became the subject of ridicule for many, who opined that he received preferential treatment due to his powerful and influential status in tennis.

According to the Serb, there were "many red flags" in the Sinner case in terms of how his suspension was timed (the Italian didn't miss a single Grand Slam). Speaking to Piers Morgan in a recent interview, the former No. 1 and 24-time Major champion, despite empathizing with the Italian, said:

"When this happened I was shocked honestly. I do think that he didn’t do it on purpose. But the way the whole case was handled is so many red flags. The lack of transparency. The inconsistency. The convenience of the ban coming between the Slams so he doesn’t miss out… it’s just… it was very very odd"

Going on to speak about other tennis players who were banned for far greater durations than Jannik Sinner for similar offences, Novak Djokovic added:

"I want to believe him. Knowing my history with him, I think he didn't do it on purpose, but, of course he is responsible. Because those are the rules, you are responsible when something like this happens. And so when you see someone for something very similar or the same being banned years and he's banned for a provisional 3 months or whatever it was, it's not right."

"I have a sense of empathy and compassion for Jannik Sinner" - Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic during a press conference at the 2025 Miami Open (Source: Getty)

In the same interview, the Serb paid credit to Jannik Sinner for the way he handled the backlash against him, particularly during his interactions with the media. The former No. 1 also lauded the Italian for his on-court performances and results amid the doping saga. Sinner won the US Open, the Australian Open, and the Wimbledon Championships along with other ATP events since his doping row was made public.

"It's not easy for him. I do have a sense of empathy and compassion for him. I think he's handled the storm in the media that keeps on coming back every once in awhile. He's handling that very maturely and steadily and kudos to him for that. And in the midst of all of that he's still dominating and playing incredible, winning slams," Djokovic concluded.

Sinner is currently in Turin, Italy, for his ATP Finals title defense. Meanwhile, Djokovic made the decision to skip the prestigious year-end event citing a shoulder injury in the immediate aftermath of his 101st title triumph at the Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece.