Tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have expressed their concerns over the sport’s anti-doping regulations following an incident involving Jannik Sinner, who avoided a ban despite failing two steroid tests.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) challenges the decision after an independent tribunal found him not liable for the incidents back in March. Sinner, fresh off his US Open victory, was in the clear after an independent tribunal on August 20 absolved him of any fault following two positive tests for an anabolic steroid. According to the panel, the substance entered his system inadvertently during a physio session where a steroidal spray was used to treat a cut on his finger.

However, with WADA seeking a punitive response, they’ve taken it up with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, aiming for a suspension lasting between one to two years. In response to WADA’s actions, a statement from the organisation declared: “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules. WADA is seeking a period of ineligibility of between one and two years.”

While he is currently partaking in the China Open, Sinner has shared his “disappointment and surprise” over the appeal by WADA. Nonetheless, whispers of favourable treatment have been circulating due to the initial ruling which let the top-ranked Italian continue his professional tennis pursuits.

Federer has voiced his understanding of the concerns surrounding the treatment of certain players in tennis. Speaking on the Today Show, he expressed: “I understand the frustration of: Has he been treated the same as others? And I think this is where it comes down to. We all trust pretty much at the end, he didn’t do anything.”

He also highlighted potential inconsistencies, saying: “But the inconsistency, potentially, that he didn’t have to sit out while they were not 100% sure what was going on. I think that’s the question here that needs to be answered.”

Echoing Federer’s sentiments, Djokovic shared his perspective last month: “I understand the frustration of the players is there, because of a lack of consistency. As I understood, his case was cleared the moment basically it was announced.”

Djokovic further commented on the need for clear protocols: “We see a lack of standardised and clear protocols. I can understand the sentiments of a lot of players that are questioning whether they are treated the same. Many players have had similar or pretty much the same cases, where they haven’t had the same outcome.”

He then raised an important question regarding legal representation and financial resources: “And now the question is whether it is a case of the funds, whether a player can afford to pay a significant amount of money for a law firm that would then more efficiently represent his or her case.”

Rafael Nadal has challenged the idea that Sinner got off too easily, asserting on the El Hormiguero talk show, “If he hasn’t been sanctioned, it’s because the judge has clearly seen that he hasn’t doped. I don’t think they have judged him as innocent simply because he is the world number one.”