John Millman has become the latest tennis star to weigh in after Jannik Sinner avoided a drugs suspension when he was ruled to have “bore no fault or negligence” after testing positive for a banned substance twice in March.
The world No.1 successfully argued that the positive samples were the result of contamination via his physio. The same explanation allowed him to appeal his provisional suspensions earlier in the year, with three experts agreeing that it was plausible.
The news was kept under wraps until after an independent tribunal was held last week. The private, swift resolution is one that retired pro Millman wants to see implemented across the board for similar cases. And he name-dropped Novak Djokovic as he shared his wish.
Djokovic co-created the Professional Tennis Players Association with Vasek Pospisil in 2020. The group is made for players, by players and is “committed to safeguarding and supporting men’s and women’s professional tennis players worldwide.” And Millman believes the Serb’s group can lead the way in getting all doping disputes resolved as efficiently.
The former world No. 33 tweeted: “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, I was appalled how long it took for Simona [Halep] to have hers heard, I was appalled to learn how long it took Tara Moore to have hers investigated.
While some have questioned why Sinner was allowed to keep competing between his positive tests and the independent tribunal hearing, Millman believes it was the correct way to handle his case. But he wants to see other players afforded the same opportunity.
“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 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 added.
“But 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. A case, a quick investigation, a judgment. Without having reputations dragged through the mud until findings are absolute.
It seems the PTPA is pushing for more outcomes like Sinner’s. The organisation’s executive director Ahmad Nassar tweeted: “Players winning anti-doping violation appeals is generally good. But 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.
“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. Clarity & consistency are hallmarks of what @ptpaplayers is pushing the tennis establishment to adopt across the board. For the benefit of all.
