Jannik Sinner, the world’s No. 1 ranked tennis player, was handed a three-month suspension for his two positive doping tests in 2024, but many in the tennis world are claiming “favoritism” and expressing skepticism with the process, according to 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

“There’s a majority of the players that I’ve talked to in the locker room, not just in the last few days, but also last few months, that are not happy with the way this whole process has been handled,” Djokovic said, referring to the one-month suspension that women’s world No. 2 Iga Swiatek served last year.

In a statement, Djokovic added, “The majority of players don’t feel it’s fair. The majority feel there is favoritism happening… It appears top players can influence outcomes with access to top lawyers.”

Jannik Sinner, who won his third major title last month at the Australian Open, tested positive for Clostebol twice in March 2024. He was initially found to bear no fault or negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, but the World Anti-Doping Agency challenged this.

The Italian star, facing a potential ban of one or two years, agreed to a three-month suspension with WADA after they withdrew their appeal. His suspension is effective from February 9 until May 4.

Many questioned the timing as Sinner was practicing shortly after the ban’s enforcement. Additionally, Novak Djokovic criticized the handling of the case and called for structural changes in doping policies, citing examples of how other cases were managed.

“Either you’re at no fault and you should get no suspension at all, or if you have fault, three months is insufficient for steroid use,” said world No. 2 Alexander Zverev.

The sport’s treatment of individuals in doping cases remains a concern, with Novak Djokovic and others advocating for fair treatment for all athletes.