Novak Djokovic has claimed that Jannik Sinner’s doping ban will follow him like a ‘cloud’ for the rest of his career, comparing it to his own deportation from Australia over Covid-19 vaccination status.
The world No.2 twice tested positive for clostebol, a banned steroid, in March 2024. He was suspended from February 9 to May 4, 2025 after a settlement with WADA, which accepted his explanation of accidental contamination via a physiotherapist’s spray.
Speaking to Piers Morgan, Djokovic said: ‘That cloud will follow him as the cloud of Covid will follow me for the rest of his, or my career in this case. It’s just something that, it was so major, and ... over time, it will fade, but I don’t think it will disappear.’
The Serbian criticised the handling of the case, citing ‘lack of transparency’ and ‘inconsistency’. He added: ‘The convenience of the ban coming between the Slams, so he doesn’t miss out the others. It’s just, it was very, very odd.’
Djokovic noted that many players complained of preferential treatment, comparing Sinner’s three-month ban to lengthier suspensions for others like Simona Halep and Tara Moore. He stressed: ‘I think he didn’t do it on purpose, but of course, he is responsible.’
Sinner returned to win the 2025 Wimbledon title and has four Grand Slam singles titles to date.
