Novak Djokovic has been relatively quiet on the tennis front lately, enjoying some time out of the game as he continues with his reduced schedule.
After all, the legendary veteran has admitted that he is no longer going to chase accolades, having already won them all, and instead wants to balance the sport with his personal life.
He still seems full of life, both on and off the court, and if it may detract from his winnings then that is a sacrifice he is willing to make.
However, he does fear for one of his fellow players, who could see their career dramatically put on hold.
Novak Djokovic reacts to Jannik Sinner drugs case
Just after Andy Roddick reacted to WADA’s new ruling on Sinner’s case, Novak Djokovic has now weighed in on the debate that is polluting tennis at the moment.
After all, as the Jannik Sinner continues to play and impress, there remains outstanding and very real fears that the world number one could soon be banned from the sport he has dominated alongside Carlos Alcaraz this year.
Speaking to the press ahead of the Shanghai Open, the 24-time Grand Slam champion offered his verdict: ‘Well, I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well.
‘So, I guess that’s probably something that even the people who are not following our sport are realising. There’s way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved, and, you know, just this whole case is not helping our sport at all.
‘I think he has won the three appeals so far that he had, and, you know, it must be very tough for him and his team and family.
‘Hopefully, we can go back to tennis and, I mean, it’s impressive what he was been doing, in the whole process of what’s been happening, that he’s playing such a high level, winning Grand Slam and, you know, winning most of the matches that he plays.
‘But that’s not, you know, this situation or these circumstances are not positive for our sport, so hopefully we can resolve this case as soon as possible. Whatever’s going to happen, at the end of the day, I just wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible. Yeah, that’s all I have to say about that.’
Novak Djokovic returns to action after one-month break
Whilst Djokovic has been speaking about Sinner, it is likely he who will command the bulk of the attention in Shanghai.
After all, the Serbian is back in action after a month-long break, having only played one exhibition match with Grigor Dimitrov between his early exit from the US Open and now.
Set to return well-rested but potentially rusty, there has been an unrelenting element of uncertainty throughout the entire year for the 37-year-old, whose reduced schedule has perhaps left him ill-prepared for the Grand Slams.
However, he remains a very serious threat to anyone he faces, and should he enjoy a favourable run, he could even make a play for the title. After all, he has already won it four times throughout his illustrious career.
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