When it comes to facing scrutiny in tennis, Novak Djokovic has lived through every headline. The 38-year-old Serbian has 24 Grand Slams and 101 titles over two decades. He knows what it means to be under the spotlight. He’s been criticized. He’s been questioned. Still, he stood tall. When talk turns to World No. 2 Jannik Sinner, even Novak admits there’s something familiar about the young Italian’s playing style. “He reminds me of myself in many ways,” Djokovic said not too long ago. But when Sinner’s doping storm hit last year, things spiraled fast. Now, months after serving his three-month ban and moving past the chaos, Novak has a few things to say.

Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Djokovic was asked if he believed Jannik was given preferential treatment or if he was guilty of taking an anabolic banned substance. Nole was honest. He spoke about how he knew Sinner from a young age, 13 or 14 years old. He has always seen himself in the younger player from Italy. He said, “He [Jannik Sinner] always came across very genuine, very nice, very quiet, you know? Had his own world, and he didn’t really care too much about the lights of society, so to say. But he just wanted to be the best player he could be, and I liked that mentality.” However, he noted, “When this happened, I was shocked. I do think that he didn’t do it on purpose. But the way the whole case was handled is so many red flags.“

To recap, Sinner’s season took a dramatic turn in March 2024 when he tested positive twice for the banned substance clostebol. The world No. 1 denied any intent to enhance performance. He claimed the traces came from a bare-handed massage administered by his physiotherapist. An independent tribunal eventually cleared him that August. It ruled he bore “no fault or negligence.” That decision briefly silenced the doping storm surrounding him.

The controversy resurfaced months later. In February 2025, shortly after his Australian Open triumph, WADA announced a three-month suspension ending May 4th. It cited Jannik’s “partial responsibility” for his team’s actions. The timing allowed him to compete through most of the season. However, the timing kept his Grand Slam hopes alive and reignited debate over the fairness of anti-doping rulings in tennis.

Novak added, “The lack of transparency, the inconsistency, the convenience of the ban coming between the Slams so he doesn’t miss out on the others. It’s just very, very odd, and I really don’t like how the case was handled. You could hear so many other players, both male and female, who had some similar experiences, coming out in the media and complaining that it was a preferable treatment.

Players like Simona Halep, Nicolas Jarry, and others who had faced longer punishments voiced frustration. Especially Halep, who claimed that the Italian’s case wasn’t handled as unfairly as hers. She said, “It was judged completely differently, and I suffered a lot. I waited a lot, which I don’t find fair at all. I believe all athletes should have the same judgment and be treated equally.”

Even the seasoned pros, Nick Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka, weighed in on social media. Wawrinka wrote, “I don’t believe in a clean sport anymore.” The case left the tennis world divided. Was the Italian’s outcome justice, or double standards?

Yet, Nole still believes that, “knowing him and my history with him, I think he didn’t do it on purpose.” On the other hand, the Serbian legend has been respectful to Sinner when it comes to the court. Still, he found himself in a sticky situation with a journalist.

Novak Djokovic calls out a journalist’s misquote on Sinner and Alcaraz

It was a packed press room in Athens last week, just before Djokovic claimed his 101st tour title. Reporters fired questions from every direction, but one journalist’s misstep quickly became the moment of the day. Misquoting Nole, the journalist claimed he had said that Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were playing “on another level.” But Djokovic didn’t wait long to set the record straight. “I didn’t say that. I said that those two play level above others currently. Have to show some respect to us,” he shot back.

He wasn’t done there. The Serb made sure to remind everyone of the standards set by his era’s greats. “Has to be some respect for Roger, Rafa, Andy and me. That’s the level of tennis we want. Those two are level above others,” Novak Djokovic added, making his point clear. The room went quiet for a moment, and realizing his error, the journalist quickly apologized. Novak smiled and brushed it off with grace: “All is okay, happens.”

Even without that press conference spark, Djokovic’s performance in Athens spoke volumes. At 38, he’s still playing with the same fiery intensity that’s carried him for two decades. Down a set to Lorenzo Musetti, he fought back like only he can, winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to secure yet another title. One glance at his career reminds everyone why he’s still in a league of his own.

Right now, Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Finals due to a shoulder injury. Keeping him out of the season-ending event, where he’s already conquered seven titles. Still, the off-season is here, and it won’t be long before the 2026 season begins. Will Nole return to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz once again?