Novak Djokovic Talks 'Lack of Transparency' Around Jannik Sinner Doping Controversy

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic had some choice words for rising star Jannik Sinner over his suspension for testing positive for a banned substance last year.

Per Anna Lazarus Caplan of People, Djokovic questioned the timing of Sinner's three-month ban in 2024 after he twice tested positive for the anabolic agent clostebol.

"There is the lack of transparency, the inconsistency, the convenience of, you know, the ban coming, between the [grand] slams, so he doesn't miss out the others," he said during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. "It's just, it was very, very odd."

Upon Sinner's return, he was able to win the 2024 US Open for his second career major title. He enjoyed even more success in 2025, winning at Wimbledon and the Australian Open and finishing as the runner-up at the French Open.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion went on to add that he didn't "like how the case was being handled," and further asserted that Sinner likely received "preferable treatment." He also said this controversy will be a "cloud" that follows Sinner for the rest of his career.

"It's just something that, it was so major, and that when it happens, it's just, you know, over time, it will fade, but I don't think it will disappear," Djokovic said. "There's always going to be a certain group of people that will always try to bring that forward."

Still, Djokovic praised Sinner for how he's handled the situation and found success after it.

"It's not easy for him," Djokovic said. "And I think he has handled the storm in the media that keeps on coming back every once in a while. He's handling that very well and very maturely and very steadily and kudos to him for that. It's definitely not easy. And in the midst of all of that, he's still dominating. He's still playing incredible winning slams, winning things."