Tennis icon Novak Djokovic has raised concerns about the issues surrounding Jannik Sinner’s doping case and subsequent suspension in early 2025. The Italian player accepted a three-month ban after testing positive for banned substances twice in 2024.
Initially, Sinner escaped punishment when it was determined that the positive tests for clostebol, an anabolic steroid, were due to contamination during a massage by his coach. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found that Sinner was not at fault for the test results in March 2024.
Last year, the ITIA defended its handling of Sinner’s case and refuted claims of preferential treatment. In February, Sinner reached a resolution with the World Anti-Doping Agency, which contested the initial decision not to suspend him.
Following his suspension from February to May this year, Sinner strategically timed his return to compete in the French Open in late May. Djokovic, who lost to Sinner in the semi-finals of the French Open and Wimbledon, shared his perspective on Sinner’s situation during a broad discussion with Piers Morgan.
Djokovic expressed his shock at the case, stating that he believed Sinner did not intentionally violate the rules but criticized the handling of the situation, pointing out several questionable aspects such as lack of transparency and the timing of the suspension.
Djokovic, who faced criticism for his stance on vaccination during the pandemic, clarified that he advocated for freedom of choice rather than taking a pro or anti-vaccination stance.
In a separate development, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, offering savings and a wide range of live matches, including over 1,400 games across the Premier League and EFL. Sky will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League matches in the upcoming season, an increase from previous years.