India, Feb. 3 -- Following his successful title defence in Melbourne, Jannik Sinner's campaign has become embroiled in controversy due to a doping scandal. The current World No. 1 tested positive for an anabolic agent on two occasions in March of the previous year; however, an independent tribunal accepted his argument that the positive results were the result of unintentional contamination.

In September, after his victory at the US Open, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the tribunal's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which accepted the appeal. A verdict is expected in April, and should it be unfavourable to Sinner, he may face a two-year suspension for doping.

Football legend Matt Le Tissier, known for his time in the Premier League, has commented on the situation, drawing a comparison to Novak Djokovic. The former Southampton player suggested that had Djokovic failed a drug test and subsequently won the Australian Open while an investigation was ongoing, the media's response would have been markedly different.

"Imagine Djokovic had failed a drugs test and then won the Australian Open while the investigation is still ongoing; do you think he would have received the same adulation from mainstream media? I do not think so," he stated on X.

Additionally, Djokovic himself has publicly criticized the doping investigation involving Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Before the Australian Open, the Serbian star questioned the integrity of the investigation conducted by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and noted that similar offences by other players had resulted in significantly harsher penalties.

The next Grand Slam event of the season is scheduled for May at Roland Garros, occurring a month after the CAS hearing. Sinner is currently favoured to win the title, yet uncertainties loom over his future due to the ongoing investigation. The Italian displayed exceptional form at the Australian Open this year, defeating Ben Shelton in the semi-finals and overpowering Alexander Zverev in the final. Meanwhile, his closest competitor, Carlos Alcaraz, was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Djokovic, who subsequently retired due to injury in the semi-finals.

Read Also: Garin’s Disqualification Shock: Drama Unfolds After Clash with Zizou Bergs

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!