"All cases should be dealt with like Jannik Sinner's" - John Millman continues to deplore doping test backlash; acknowledges Novak Djokovic's PTPA
John Millman continued his support of Jannik Sinner after the tennis player was declared innocent in regard to his positive doping test results from March 2024. He also acknowledged the efforts of Novak Djokovic’s PTPA to demand fair play when it came to tackling such cases.
Sinner tested positive for a banned substance called “Clostebol” during his Indian Wells campaign this year. The results came to light on Tuesday, August 20, when an independent tribunal reached a verdict in the matter.
After a thorough investigation, Jannik Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing. It was determined that miniscule traces equaling one billionth of a gram were found in the World No. 1’s sample due to 'inadvertent contamination' caused by a healing spray used by Sinner's physiotherapist to treat his own finger wound. The ITIA also confirmed that the “tiny concentration” in his system did not have any “performance-enhancing effect.”
In that regard, John Millman urged the governing body to “change the threshold” for contamination while praising the expeditiousness of addressing Sinner’s case. After receiving backlash for supporting the Italian amid the controversy, the former Australian tennis player doubled down on his remarks while also highlighting the Novak Djokovic-led PTPA’s potential.
He opined that the player-centric body would be essential in voicing players' demands for identical treatment in doping cases.
"I am a huge Novak fan, records don’t lie and therefore he’s the best male to play the game. Another legacy that he and the team at the PTPA is trying to create is a body that better represents players. Now I’m sure that includes when a player tests positive, that their case is heard in a timely manner," he said.
Millman also recalled Simona Halep and Tara Moore’s prolonged doping investigations.
"I was appalled how long it took for Simona to have hers heard, I was appalled to learn how long it took Tara Moore to have hers investigated. There shouldn’t be different rules, on that I completely agree," he added.
Millman suggested that Jannik Sinner’s case should serve as a catalyst for reform and that all doping cases should be resolved expeditiously. He also called for pre-verdict announcements, that tarnish players’ reputations, to be avoided.
"A case should be investigated efficiently and as quickly as possible. Until the case has been concluded should there be any announcement. Moving forward all cases should be dealt with like Jannik’s. I’m sure this is the goal of PTPA and why there needs to be representation," he said.
With Jannik Sinner declared innocent five months after testing positive, players such as Moore and Kamil Majchrzak, who faced suspensions, criticized the ITIA for not showing similar urgency in resolving their cases.
In that regard, Novak Djokovic-led PTPA’s director Ahmad Nassar wrote:
"We have to have clear, consistent processes for ALL players. Whether ranked #1, #100, or #1000; whether man or woman. And no matter what region of the world they may call home," Nassar said on X.
He opined that the perception of preferential treatment affects the establishment’s credibility within the tennis community.
"The absence of a clear and consistent system creates obvious problems for players who are not the perceived ranking, gender and/or nationality of choice. The absence also undermines the tennis establishment’s credibility with fans and media," he added.
"Outrage should be at the officials not at the player" - John Millman on Jannik Sinner's controversy
Meanwhile, in light of the online abuse faced by Jannik Sinner, John Millman urged the tennis community to direct their outrage towards the inconsistencies in the governing bodies instead of targeting the player.
"The overall goal and outrage should be at the officials not at the player. And if player representation is the aim, then this outcome is ideal," he said referring to Novak Djokovic’s PTPA.
"A case, a quick investigation, a judgement. Without having reputations dragged through the mud until findings are absolute," he added.
Jannik Sinner, who recently won the Cincinnati Open, will now hope to put the ordeal behind him as he chases his maiden US Open title next week onward (August 26–September 9).