India, Feb. 18 --Novak Djokovic expressed a candid perspective regarding the management of Jannik Sinner's doping situation, indicating that many tennis professionals have lost confidence in the anti-doping organizations. Sinner, currently ranked number one by the ATP, has received a three-month suspension for doping after testing positive for the anabolic substance clostebol last year. He has accepted the suspension, which will allow him to return in time for the French Open in May, ensuring he will not miss any Grand Slam events during this period. The leniency of the three-month ban has sparked discontent among many, leading to a prevailing sentiment of perceived "favouritism" towards the sport's elite players.

"There is currently a significant lack of trust among tennis players, both male and female, towards WADA, ITIA, and the entire process," Djokovic remarked during the Qatar Open.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion noted that discussions with fellow players in the locker room revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the handling of Sinner's case, which they view as an unjust decision influenced by favouritism.

"This situation does not reflect well on our sport, that is certain," Djokovic, a long-standing leader in men's tennis, stated. "The majority of players I have spoken with, not only in recent days but over the past few months, are unhappy with how this entire process regarding Sinner has been managed.

"Most players perceive this as unfair. There is a strong belief that favouritism is at play. It seems that if you are a top player with access to elite legal representation, you can significantly influence the outcome."

Djokovic expressed hope that governing bodies will take proactive steps to collaborate and develop a more effective approach to addressing such issues.

"It is an opportune moment for us to critically evaluate the system, as it is clear that the current structure is ineffective," Djokovic commented. "I hope that in the near future, the governing bodies of our tours and the broader tennis community will unite to seek a more efficient solution."

Sinner's agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which had contested the decision to clear the Italian without penalty last year, acknowledged his assertion that contaminated products used by his masseur were responsible for the positive test result.

"Sinner received a three-month suspension due to the errors and negligence of his team members involved in the ATP Tour, which I, along with many players, find somewhat perplexing," Djokovic remarked.

Djokovic emphasized that the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) appeared to apply markedly different procedures in doping cases concerning Romanian player Simona Halep and British player Tara Moore.

"There are numerous inconsistencies among these cases," he stated.

"We have observed on social media that Simona Halep, Tara Moore, and several other perhaps lesser-known players have faced prolonged struggles to resolve their cases or have received lengthy bans. It is important to remember that Sinner and Swiatek were both ranked number one in the world at the time these announcements were made," he continued.

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