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Tag: tennis

  • Novak Djokovic Questions the “Convenient” Timing of Jannik Sinner’s Doping Ban

    Novak Djokovic has cast doubt on the “convenience” surrounding Jannik Sinner’s doping ban, suggesting the young Italian’s career will forever carry a “cloud” of suspicion.

    During an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 24-time Grand Slam champion spoke candidly about how the case was handled, saying it raised several questions about fairness and transparency within professional tennis.

    A “Cloud” That Won’t Disappear

    “It’s just something that was so major,” Djokovic said. “Over time, it might fade, but I don’t think it will completely disappear. There’ll always be a group of people who will bring it up.”

    In February, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) handed Jannik Sinner a three-month suspension after he twice tested positive for the anabolic agent clostebol in March 2024.

    Questioning the Timing and Transparency

    The Serbian star didn’t hold back when addressing the timing of Sinner’s suspension, describing it as “very odd.”

    “There was a lack of transparency, inconsistency, and the convenience of the ban coming between the Grand Slams — so he wouldn’t miss the major tournaments,” Djokovic told Morgan. “It just didn’t sit right.”

    “Preferential Treatment” and Responsibility

    While Djokovic said he believes Sinner didn’t intentionally take a banned substance, he hinted that the case appeared to be handled with preferential treatment.

    “I didn’t like how the situation was managed,” he said. “I want to believe he didn’t do it on purpose. But at the end of the day, he’s responsible — those are the rules.”

    Serena Williams Also Questions the Short Ban

    Serena Williams has also expressed disbelief over the short suspension handed to Sinner, claiming she would have faced far tougher consequences in her era.

    “If I did that, I would have gotten 20 years,” she told Time in an April interview. “Let’s be honest. I never took anything stronger than Advil. They would have stripped my Grand Slams. You’d have heard about it in another multiverse.”

    Djokovic Praises Sinner’s Resilience

    Despite his criticism, Djokovic commended Sinner’s composure in dealing with ongoing scrutiny.

    “It’s not easy for him,” Djokovic said. “He’s handled the media storm maturely and steadily. Kudos to him. Despite everything, he’s still dominating — still winning Slams and performing incredibly.”

  • Novak Djokovic Puts Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in Their Place with Fierce Response

    Djokovic Challenges the “New Era” of Tennis

    Novak Djokovic has firmly reminded the tennis world that the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner still falls short when compared to the golden age once ruled by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and himself.

    In recent years, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has found himself in an unusual position—playing second fiddle to the younger stars who have collectively won nine of the last ten major titles.

    Djokovic’s Stern Clarification

    While Djokovic praised the duo for their exceptional performances and consistency, he was quick to stress that their current success is not without precedent.

    During a recent press conference, a reporter began a question by saying:

    “You said that Sinner and Alcaraz have raised tennis to a new level.”

    But Djokovic immediately interrupted with a sharp correction:

    “I didn’t say that. I said those two play a level above others currently. There has to be some respect for Roger, Rafa, Andy, and me. That’s the level of tennis we want — those two are above others for now.”

    The Legacy of the Big Four

    Between 2003 and 2023, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray redefined tennis greatness. The quartet dominated the ATP rankings, collecting Grand Slam titles with unrelenting consistency and shaping the sport for two decades.

    • Djokovic holds the record with 24 Grand Slam titles

    • Nadal follows closely with 22, and Federer with 20

    • Only two others — Pete Sampras (14) and Bjorn Borg (11) — have reached double digits

    • Murray, though owning just three Grand Slam titles, reached 11 finals and 21 semi-finals, cementing his place among the legends

    The Rise of Alcaraz and Sinner

    Now, Alcaraz and Sinner are forging their own era of dominance. The pair have contested the last three Grand Slam finals, claiming nine of the past ten major trophies between them.

    • Carlos Alcaraz, with six Grand Slam wins, defeated Sinner at the US Open and French Open

    • Jannik Sinner, now a four-time major champion, bested Alcaraz at Wimbledon and also captured the Australian Open

    Can They Match Djokovic’s Legacy?

    If their momentum continues, both players could one day threaten Djokovic’s all-time record. However, as the Serbian icon hinted, sustaining such unwavering dominance over decades is far easier said than done.

    Djokovic’s words serve as a powerful reminder — greatness isn’t just about winning titles, it’s about maintaining supremacy through eras of change.