BRISBANE, Australia, Dec 29, 2024 (V7N) – Novak Djokovic has joined Nick Kyrgios in criticizing tennis's governing bodies for their handling of doping violations, calling for more transparency and consistency in the sport. Their comments follow high-profile doping cases involving world number ones Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek in 2024, which have sparked widespread debate.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, expressed frustration over the perceived lack of openness and fairness in the disciplinary process, echoing Kyrgios’s earlier remarks about the integrity of the sport being “awful.”

Concerns About Transparency

The 37-year-old Serbian highlighted inconsistencies in the handling of doping cases, stating that top players seem to receive preferential treatment.

“We have players waiting for over a year for their cases to be resolved, while others are expedited,” Djokovic said at a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International. “The issue is the inconsistency and the lack of transparency.”

He pointed to Sinner’s case, where the Italian twice tested positive for the steroid clostebol in March. While the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted Sinner’s claim of contamination from a physiotherapist and opted not to suspend him, Djokovic criticized the delayed public announcement, which came just before the US Open in August.

“The ATP hasn’t explained why the case was hidden for so long,” Djokovic added. “It’s frustrating for players to be kept in the dark about such matters.”

Swiatek’s Case Draws Comparisons

Similarly, Swiatek tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) in August. The ITIA determined her violation was unintentional, resulting in a minimal one-month ban.

In contrast, Simona Halep faced a four-year suspension in 2022 for a roxadustat violation, later reduced to nine months after a successful appeal.

“These cases show a lack of uniformity,” Djokovic said. “Why are certain players treated differently? It raises questions about rankings, financial resources, or legal backing playing a role.”

Kyrgios Criticizes System

Australian star Kyrgios also took aim at the sport’s integrity framework, branding the handling of Sinner’s case “horrific.”

“Tennis integrity is awful right now, and it’s damaging the sport,” Kyrgios said on Saturday. “The inconsistency in decisions tarnishes the image of tennis.”

Calls for Reform

The doping controversies have fueled calls for systemic reform in tennis’s governance. Both Djokovic and Kyrgios stressed the need for a fair, transparent process that applies equally to all players, regardless of ranking or status.

With ongoing cases like Sinner’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the issue of doping transparency is expected to remain a focal point in 2025 as the sport grapples with its approach to integrity and fairness.

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