India, Dec. 29 -- The tennis community faced significant doping controversies in 2024. The first incident involved Jannik Sinner, whose scandal emerged during his successful campaign at the US Open. Just one week prior to the tournament, the ITIA disclosed that he had tested positive for clostebol on two occasions in March. However, an independent tribunal accepted his argument of unintentional contamination. In September, the WADA contested this ruling before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which agreed to hear the appeal. A decision from CAS is expected next year.

The second controversy arose in late November with Iga Swiatek, as the ITIA announced that her sample from August tested positive due to unintentional contamination from melatonin pills produced and sold in Poland. Following the US Open, she faced a provisional suspension of 22 days and subsequently served a one-match ban, which concluded this month.

In response to these doping issues, Novak Djokovic voiced his dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation. "I've been frustrated ... to see we've been kept in the dark for at least five months (on the Jannik case)," he remarked at the Brisbane International.

"The ATP hasn't discussed it in detail. Why has this case been kept from the public eye?

"We observe Simona Halep's situation on the WTA Tour, and now Iga's case. This does not reflect well on our sport."

Suggesting potential corruption in the investigations, he noted discrepancies in how players are treated in similar circumstances. "I am questioning the fairness of the system and why certain players receive different treatment. Perhaps there are ranking considerations or some players possess greater financial resources and more robust legal teams to navigate these issues," he stated in a public address to the ITIA.

Additionally, the ITIA released a report indicating that Swiatek had provided a list of 14 medications or supplements she was using. Following the ITIA's decision regarding Swiatek, Simona Halep criticized the organization for its perceived double standards, drawing comparisons to her treatment.

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