Jannik Sinner has found a supporter in Novak Djokovic, but the latter called for a clear protocol in doping cases. He questioned the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) why it took five months to announce that Sinner failed a drug test.

Sinner tested positive for anabolic steroid clostebol twice in March this year. The ITIA, however, made the doping report public in August. The tennis community was outraged by the verdicts given in his case because as punishment for failing a drug test, Sinner dealt with just two short provisional suspensions, and the prize money he won at the Indian Wells, was taken away.

Djokovic, ahead of the Brisbane International, agreed with doubles partner Nick Kyrgios‘ views about the handling of Sinner’s case. Kyrgios has accused Sinner of intentional doping but Djokovic doesn’t think the World No.1 would be using performance-enhancing drugs to play better.

Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic had criticized each other in the past but they buried their hatchet when the Aussie supported the Serb during the vaccination saga during the 2022 Australian Open.

The friendship has now developed into them joining hands for doubles at the Brisbane International. Ahead of the tournament, the 29-year-old revealed how the plans of playing doubles materialized.

In singles, Djokovic and Kyrgios are set to lock horns with Rinky Hijikata and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, respectively, in Brisbane. Their first doubles match is against Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies.