John Millman is the latest tennis star to voice his opinion on Jannik Sinner avoiding a drug suspension after being found to have “bore no fault or negligence” following two positive tests for a banned substance in March.
The world No. 1 successfully argued that the positive results were due to contamination from his physiotherapist. This explanation also allowed him to appeal his provisional suspensions earlier in the year, with three experts agreeing that it was plausible.
The situation remained confidential until after an independent tribunal was held last week. Millman, a retired pro, has expressed his desire to see such swift and private resolutions applied universally in similar cases. He even mentioned Novak Djokovic in his comments, highlighting Djokovic’s role in co-founding the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) with Vasek Pospisil in 2020. The PTPA is designed to safeguard and support professional tennis players globally, and Millman believes the association can lead efforts to ensure that doping cases are resolved efficiently.
In a tweet, Millman wrote, “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 are trying to create is a body that better represents players.
“I’m sure that includes when a player tests positive, that their case is heard in a timely manner. I was appalled at how long it took for Simona [Halep] to have her case heard, and I was shocked to learn how long it took Tara Moore’s case to be investigated.”
While some have questioned why Sinner was allowed to continue playing between his positive tests and the independent tribunal hearing, Millman believes this was the right approach. However, he wants other players to be given the same treatment.
“There shouldn’t be different rules; on that, I completely agree. A case should be investigated efficiently and as quickly as possible. Until the case has been concluded, there should be no announcement. Moving forward, all cases should be handled like Jannik’s. I’m sure this is the PTPA’s goal and why player representation is necessary,” he added.
“But the overall outrage should be directed at the officials, not the player. If player representation is the aim, then this outcome is ideal: a case, a quick investigation, a judgment. Without reputations being dragged through the mud until findings are conclusive.”
It seems the PTPA is advocating for more outcomes similar to Sinner’s. The organization’s executive director, Ahmad Nassar, tweeted: “Players winning anti-doping violation appeals is generally good. But we need clear, consistent processes for ALL players, whether ranked No. 1, No. 100, or No. 1000; whether man or woman, and regardless of their region.
“The lack of a clear and consistent system creates obvious problems for players who are not perceived as the ranking, gender, and/or nationality of choice. This also undermines the credibility of the tennis establishment with fans and media. Clarity and consistency are hallmarks of what @ptpaplayers is pushing the tennis establishment to adopt across the board. For the benefit of all.”
