Ahead of the Shanghai Masters, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic weighed in on the doping controversy surrounding World Number 1 Jannik Sinner.
Sinner, who failed two doping tests in March, was permitted to play after tennis authorities accepted the Italian’s explanation that trace amounts of a banned anabolic substance entered his body through a physiotherapist’s usage of a spray to treat a cut before proceeding with a massage and sports therapy, and cleared him of wrongdoing.
He has been permitted to contest, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has reignited the case which could spell trouble for the 23-year-old.
Djokovic sympathised with the Italian and touched upon the inconsistencies in dope testing and the non-functionality of the system.
“I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well… There’s way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved and, you know, just this whole case is not helping our sport at all,” the Serbian said.
“Whatever is going to happen at the end of the day, just I wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible,” the 37-year-old added.
Sinner, who has had a memorable year on the court, moved into the final of the China Open in the ongoing event in Beijing and is set to take on Carlos Alcaraz, who also looks in ominous form.
“It’s impressive what (Sinner’s) been doing in the whole process of what’s been happening, that he’s playing on such a high level,” Djokovic said.
Both Sinner and Alcaraz will travel to Shanghai for the Masters tournament, which will also include the participation of Djokovic, who had claimed the title four times over.
“Hopefully I can use that freshness in a way, and also the past experiences and success I had,” the Serbian said.
When quizzed what made him so successful at the Masters event in Shanghai, Djokovic joked that he had bought into the Chinese culture and it helped.
“I love dumplings and the Chinese language, I think that helps,” he jested.
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