Novak Djokovic delivers criticism in verdict on anti-doping appeal

Novak Djokovic has given his reaction to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s decision to appeal the “no fault or negligence” verdict reached over Jannik Sinner’s failed drug tests.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced last month that Sinner would not receive a ban for failing two anti-doping in March after an independent tribunal ruled he was not to blame.

The Italian star tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, on March 10 and 18 — during and after the Indian Wells Masters.

The tribunal accepted Sinner’s explanation that the substance had entered his body when receiving a massage from his physio, who had used a spray containing the steroid to treat a cut on their finger.

However, it was revealed on Saturday that WADA had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to impose a ban of up to two years on the world No 1.

A statement from WADA said: “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules.

“WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years. WADA is not seeking a disqualification of any results, save that which has already been imposed by the tribunal of first instance.”

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In his press conference ahead of the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic criticised the tennis anti-doping system and credited Sinner for how he has performed with the case hanging over him.

“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 realising.

“There are way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved and this whole case is not helping our sport at all.

“I think he has won the three appeals so far, and it must be very tough for him and his team and family.

“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 24-time Grand Slam champion also called for a swift resolution to the appeal as he reiterated that the case is not good for tennis.

“Hopefully, we can go back to tennis,” the 37-year-old continued.

“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.”

During the China Open, Sinner addressed the difficulty of remaining focused on tennis amid the saga of his anti-doping case.

“First of all, it’s not a situation I would like to be in, it’s very delicate and difficult and also different,” said the 23-year-old Italian.

“The only thing I know is that I try to tell myself that I haven’t done anything wrong, which already puts you in an advantageous position.

“Of course I’ve had sleepless nights during this time and now it won’t be easy again. I’m disappointed to be in this situation again, but I’m just trying to stay focused somehow on my job and try to do my best to be ready for every game I play.

“But yes, it’s a difficult time for me and also for my team. It’s not just me in this alone, but also my team. I’m keeping close the people who I’m fine with and who know me as a person, they know me.”

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