Tennis, US Open 2024: Novak Djokovic claims ‘lack of consistency’ in Jannik Sinner doping case

Serbian superstar Novak Djokovic called for “clear protocols” and “standardized approaches” to tennis doping cases on Saturday in response to the announcement that top-ranked Jannik Sinner had escaped a ban despite two positive tests this year.

Djokovic, speaking to reporters as he prepared to defend his US Open title, said players who have bemoaned a lack of transparency in the Sinner case make a valid point.

“I understand the frustration of the players is there because of lack of consistency,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said.

“As I understood, his case was cleared the moment basically it was announced. But, you know, I think five or six months passed since the news [of the positive tests] was brought to him and his team.

“There is a lot of issues in the system,” Djokovic said. “We see lack of standardized and clear protocols. I can understand the sentiments of a lot of players that are questioning whether they are treated the same.”

Several players have suggested Sinner received special treatment because of his ranking, asking why he was not provisionally suspended as the investigation that exonerated him played out.

Sinner insisted on Friday that he was treated the same as any other player.

“There is no shortcut, there is no different treatment, they are all...

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