“Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer Break Silence on Jannik Sinner’s Controversial Drug Test Ruling – Is Tennis Playing Favorites?”
Tennis legends Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have raised concerns over the sport’s anti-doping regulations following the controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner, who escaped a ban despite testing positive twice for steroids. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has since challenged the ruling, after an independent tribunal cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing in March. The world No….
Tennis legends Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have raised concerns over the sport’s anti-doping regulations following the controversy surrounding Jannik Sinner, who escaped a ban despite testing positive twice for steroids.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has since challenged the ruling, after an independent tribunal cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing in March. The world No. 1, fresh off his US Open triumph, was absolved on August 20 when the tribunal determined that the banned substance entered his system inadvertently during a physio session involving a steroidal spray used to treat a cut on his finger.
However, WADA is now pushing for a suspension of up to two years and has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In their statement, WADA argued: “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.”
Sinner, currently competing in the China Open, has expressed his “disappointment and surprise” over WADA’s appeal. Nevertheless, rumors of preferential treatment have swirled, as the Italian star was allowed to continue competing despite the positive tests.
Roger Federer weighed in on the issue during an appearance on the *Today Show*, acknowledging the concerns about fairness in how certain players are treated. “I understand the frustration of: Has he been treated the same as others?” Federer said. “And I think this is where it comes down to. We all trust pretty much at the end, he didn’t do anything.”
Federer also pointed to the potential inconsistencies in the process, adding, “The inconsistency, potentially, that he didn’t have to sit out while they were not 100% sure what was going on. I think that’s the question here that needs to be answered.”
