"Novak Djokovic is jealous"; "Pathetic sore loser" - Jannik Sinner fans attack Serb after controversial comments on Italian's doping ban

Novak Djokovic stirred controversy after openly sharing his unfiltered thoughts on Jannik Sinner’s doping ban. His comments sparked immediate backlash, with fans of the Italian star expressing their outrage without holding anything back.

Djokovic recently took part in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, known for his controversial takes, and discussed a range of topics, including Sinner’s doping ban. Sinner had tested positive for Clostebol twice in 2024 and served a three-month suspension from February to May 2025.

The Serb said he was "shocked" when he first learned about the incident and felt there were several “red flags” in the way it was handled. He added that while he sympathized with Sinner and believed the Italian didn’t act intentionally, he also held him accountable for the situation.

"When this happened I was shocked honestly. I do think that he didn’t do it on purpose. But the way the whole case was handled is so many red flags," Djokovic said. "Knowing my history with him, I think he didn't do it on purpose, but, of course he is responsible. Because those are the rules, you are responsible when something like this happens. It's not easy for him. I do have a sense of empathy and compassion for him. I think he's handled the storm in the media that keeps on coming back every once in awhile. He's handling that very maturely and steadily and kudos to him for that," he added.

Soon after, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions, with one writing:

"He is just bitter and jealous of the guy. He should rest and retire." "Pathetic sore loser. Read the rules and stop spreading misinformation," another wrote. "Not him having the audacity to talk about how Jannik handled the 'storm from the media' well and still giving this interview knowing full well it's just going to contribute to it… like f**k off," one account posted. "He’s being interviewed by Piers Morgan the biggest jackass out there. Novax really knows how to continue keeping in the worst company. He’s an embarrassment to tennis and this is why he will never be GOAT no matter how much he’s won," one user wrote. "Djokovic is so salty. Let’s not forgot that he himself has enjoyed enormous privilege & rigging in his favour like when he entered Australia unvaccinated & getting a medical exemption or was allowed back to Australia in 2023 when he should’ve had a 3 year deportation ban," another joined in. "So he missed ATP finals and messed up the groups to go talk about Jannik," one fan tweeted.

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Novak Djokovic on Jannik Sinner's doping ban: "That cloud will follow him as the cloud of COVID will follow me"

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner pictured at the 2025 Six Kings Slam | Image Source: Getty

During the same interview with Piers Morgan, Novak Djokovic compared Jannik Sinner's doping ban to his own COVID-19 controversy in 2022. He said that the "cloud" of Sinner’s positive test will follow the Italian just as the cloud of the COVID-19 saga continues to follow him to this day.

Morgan: "On Sinner, is there a cloud over him about the drugs thing?" Djokovic: "That cloud will follow him as the cloud of COVID will follow me. You should ask him." Morgan: "I only interview GOATs."

Djokovic’s decision not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 caused a major controversy at the 2022 Australian Open. Although he entered Australia claiming a medical exemption, his visa was canceled, and he was deported from Melbourne. This also resulted in a three-year entry ban, which was later lifted within the same year.

The 24-time Slam champion missed multiple key tournaments, including the 2022 US Open, because of vaccine-related entry restrictions in the United States. He remained steadfast in his stance, saying he preferred to skip events rather than receive the vaccine.

Edited by Pritha Ghosh