Djokovic’s PTPA Releases Critical Statement After Sinner’s Ban

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), which Novak Djokovic co-founded, blasted anti-doping protocols following Jannik Sinner’s case decision.

After the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) disputed the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s decision to clear Sinner of wrongdoing, it appeared that his doping case would be decided in an appeal hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport set in April.

Sinner tested positive twice for clostebol at March’s 2024 Indian Wells Open. WADA accepted that the ATP World No. 1 was accidentally contaminated by his physiotherapist but felt he bore some responsibility for that happening.

The governing body initially wanted a ban of between one and two years, so Saturday’s news that WADA and Sinner’s team had agreed to a three-month ban to end the case before the CAS hearing caused widespread shock.

One of the reasons Djokovic and Vasek Pospisil founded the PTPA was to try to ensure transparency and equity for all players. Whether the organization has actually taken concrete steps to do that is a debated topic. Some feel it has done very little.

However, the PTPA’s statement about Sinner’s case resolution was blunt. It accused the system of being biased and acting on a case-by-case basis rather than having consistent rules that apply to all players.

“No matter who you root for, several things are now clear. The “system” is not a system. Supposed case-by-case discretion is, in fact, merely cover for tailored deals, unfair treatment, and inconsistent rulings.”

“It’s not just the different results for different players. It’s the lack of transparency. The lack of process. The lack of consistency. The lack of credibility in the alphabet soup of agencies charged with regulating our sports and athletes. The lack of commitment from the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, ITIA, and WADA to reform and create a fair and transparent system going forward.”

The bias is unacceptable for all athletes and shows a deep disrespect for every sport and its fans. It’s time for change. And we will change it.”

The PTPA could not have made a stronger stance against the system. Sinner’s case had already been criticised for a lack of transparency before to the conclusion, as the ITIA’s inquiry was kept private until completion.

Many players will likely feel represented by the PTPA’s statement regarding unfairness and inconsistency. Simona Halep, a retired tennis player, faced a lengthy 18-month court case before her four-year suspension was reduced to nine months.

Many will rightly wonder why her case took so long to resolve. Others who received bans following CAS hearings are presumably questioning why they were not offered the option to settle the case beforehand.

This is not the first time WADA and the ITIA have reached an arrangement with players. The ITIA accomplished this for Jenson Brooksby, allowing him to return to professional tennis earlier than expected. However, this does not alleviate worries about inconsistencies in other aspects of the process.