"A massive perception problem" - Novak Djokovic-led PTPA's Director laments lack of 'consistent system' in light of Jannik Sinner’s doping controversy

Jannik Sinner's doping controversy has caught the attention of Novak Djokovic-led PTPA's director Ahmad Nassar as he called for a consistent system for anti-doping violation appeals. He added that the PTPA (Professional Tennis Players Association) has been pushing for clarity and consistency across tennis.

Jannik Sinner's failed drug tests came to light on August 20 when it was announced that he was cleared of the accusations by an independent panel. A low quantity of the banned substance clostebol was found in his urine which was later deemed not to have a performance-enhancing effort. The World No. 1's defense said that his physio used a spray that contained the banned substance before massaging Sinner bare-handed.

In light of this controversy, PTPA's director Ahmad Nassar said that there should be a consistent process for all players, irrespective of rankings, gender, or nationality.

"Players winning anti-doping violation appeals is generally good. But we have to have clear, consistent processes for ALL players. Whether ranked #1, #100, or #1000; whether man or woman. And no matter what region of the world they may call home," Nassar said.

Nassar said that it undermines tennis' credibility, adding that the PTPA has been working to enhance clarity and consistency across the board.

"The absence of a clear and consistent system creates obvious problems for players who are not the perceived ranking, gender and/or nationality of choice. The absence also undermines the tennis establishment’s credibility with fans and media. Clarity & consistency are hallmarks of what @ptpaplayers is pushing the tennis establishment to adopt across the board. For the benefit of all," he said.

In a follow-up tweet, Nassar said that players, press, agents, and physios were not clear on anti-doping rules.

"A follow-up, in anticipation of the usual claims of “we already have a clear & consistent anti-doping system!” from certain corners of the Tennis Establishment: If so many players say the system is not clear & consistent, it’s not. If so much of the press says the system is not clear & consistent, it’s not. If so many coaches and agents and physios and others say the system is not clear & consistent…you get the point. At the very least, there’s a massive perception problem. Having read the anti-doping rules several times, I can safely say there are more problems than that," he added.

It's worth pointing out that a similar incident occurred earlier this year involving Marco Bortolotti. On March 21, 2024, the ITIA announced that clostebol had been detected in the Italian's urine based on a February 2 drug test.

However, the organization ruled that the 'player bore no fault or negligence' and hence his ranking points and earnings were only docked from the Lisbon Challenger and not from the subsequent tournaments.

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Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic to play at the 2024 US Open

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner to play US Open (Image: Getty)

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic will lead the men's pack at the final Grand Slam of the year. Djokovic is the defending champion at the 2024 US Open, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final last year. The Serb is a four-time champion at Flushing Meadows.

This year, however, has been an anomaly for the World No. 2 as he has yet to win an ATP tour title this year. He would look to add a record-setting 25th Grand Slam title to his trophy cabinet in New York.

Sinner will enter the US Open draw on the back of a successful week at the Cincinnati Open, where he won the tournament. The Italian would be one of the favorites to win the title.