Novak Djokovic expressed his hope on Wednesday that the ongoing doping case involving world No. 1 Jannik Sinner would be resolved quickly, while also criticizing the inconsistencies in tennis' anti-doping system. Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared by tennis authorities, allowing him to continue playing. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) recently appealed the decision and is pushing for a possible two-year ban.
Speaking at the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic sympathized with Sinner, acknowledging the challenges the Italian player is facing during this controversy. The 37-year-old Serbian emphasized the flaws in the current anti-doping system, noting that too many governing bodies are involved, creating confusion and inconsistency. Djokovic reiterated his desire for a swift resolution, stating that prolonged uncertainty damages the sport.
Sinner, who explained that trace amounts of a steroid unintentionally entered his system from a physiotherapist’s treatment, has been under scrutiny since WADA's appeal reignited the case. Despite the pressure, the 23-year-old has continued to perform well, winning the US Open and advancing to the final of the China Open, where he will face Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic praised Sinner's resilience, commenting on how impressive it is that he's maintained such a high level of play amid the controversy.
As Djokovic prepares for the Shanghai Masters, he’s aiming for his 100th singles title, using it as extra motivation. Having not played many tournaments recently, he noted that he will rely on his freshness and past successes in Shanghai, where he is a four-time champion. Reflecting on his previous wins, Djokovic jokingly credited his love for dumplings and the Chinese language as his secret to success.
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