Novak Djokovic finally breaks silence on Jannik Sinner steroid scandal.
Novak Djokovic hopes Jannik Sinner’s steroid controversy will prompt a shift in how tennis approaches anti-doping.
Sinner has refuted allegations of privileged treatment and stated that his conscience is clear after avoiding a punishment despite testing positive for the prohibited anabolic steroid clostebol twice earlier this year.
‘There are a lot of issues with the system,’ Djokovic stated. ‘I understand the concerns of many athletes who wonder if they are treated equally.
‘Hopefully, the regulating authorities of our sport will be able to learn from this example and adopt a better strategy in the future. There is a clear need for reform on a collective level. So that any player, regardless of rating, status, or profile, can receive the same treatment.
Sinner, the current world number one, is at the heart of a doping scandal on the eve of this year’s US Open when it was revealed that he tested positive twice for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol back in March.
The announcement has aroused controversy in the tennis world, with several of his fellow players reacting angrily and implying that only the greatest are given preferential treatment.
Sinner, speaking to media in New York on Friday, stated that he believes he is a fair player both on and off the court. In my mind, I am confident that I have not done anything wrong.
The Italian vowed he “always will respect these anti-doping rules” and denied receiving special treatment. ‘Every athlete who tests positive must go through the same process. ‘There is no shortcut, no alternative treatment,’ he stressed.
‘I understand how frustrated other players might be. But perhaps they were suspended because they didn’t know where it came from, or what chemical it was, but the major reason is where it came from and how it entered his own system.
Sinner has parted ways with the fitness coach and physiotherapist at the center of the issue, just days before the US Open.
Meanwhile, despite twisting his ankle during practice on Saturday, Carlos Alcaraz believed he would be fully recovered for his opening round encounter.
