Novak Djokovic, the world number 7 from Serbia, has voiced his frustration over the doping suspension handed to Jannik Sinner, a matter that has caused unrest among many players on the tour. Sinner, who accepted a three-month ban after testing positive for clostebol in a March doping control, will still be able to compete in Grand Slam tournaments and keep his world number one ranking.

Why Is Djokovic Upset?

In a press conference following his doubles match in Doha, where he partnered with Spanish player Fernando Verdasco, Djokovic revealed he had spoken to several players about the case. Most of them aren’t happy with how the process was handled, feeling there was favoritism and that the case wasn’t treated fairly. According to the Serbian, high-profile players have more influence over the outcome of these situations, thanks to their resources and access to the best lawyers.

Comparisons to Other Cases

Djokovic also pointed out that Sinner’s case is odd, as it was a mistake made by members of his team. He compared Sinner’s situation to that of other players like Simona Halep and Tara Moore, who were suspended for long periods after doping violations and had to fight for ages to resolve their cases. For Djokovic, the current system is out of balance, and there’s a need to address the inequalities in how these cases are handled.

The Suspension for Sinner

Although Sinner will not lose his world number one status or miss any Grand Slam events, the three-month suspension has sparked controversy. Djokovic believes the situation is unfair and that the system should be reviewed to ensure more equal treatment for all players, regardless of their standing on the tour.