Grigor Dimitrov speaks out on ‘double standards’ in Sinner’s doping case

Grigor Dimitrov has commented on Jannik Sinner’s doping case and expressed his concerns about potential 'double standards' in the handling of the situation. The Italian tested positive for clostebol twice during Indian Wells but did not receive a sanction, and the news only emerged five months later.

After Sinner avoided a suspension, the ITIA’s decision stirred controversy, with some colleagues, including Nick Kyrgios and Denis Shapovalov, accusing a different treatment for the World No. 1 compared to other similar doping cases.

This time, World No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov addressed the Sinner case and admitted he was struck by the way the situation was managed: “What struck me as most strange is how the protocols for this situation were handled,” commented the Bulgarian. “How were they distributed? There are players who experienced completely different processes and procedures, and it made me wonder if there were double standards. Double standards, this is essentially what I mean.”

“We see this in other sports as well; everyone sees it. It's not a secret. But the way this case unfolded was very strange to me, even as someone who has been on the ATP tour for many years,” the former World No. 3 added. “We even know things from the inside, especially how tournaments are run. I’m still a member of the players' committee, and somehow, suddenly, when such a— not only news, but a dispute, whatever comes out— it is a little bit strange for everyone.”

“In my opinion, the whole association came out with different kinds of statements. We didn’t know; others knew; then lawyers knew; others didn’t know. Somehow, the whole thread is lost, and maybe this is what makes everyone doubt this situation and think it involves double standards,” he concluded.

The 32-year-old played an exhibition match with Novak Djokovic for the Grigor Dimitrov Foundation on Tuesday. The Bulgarian will now travel to Berlin for the Laver Cup, following a last-minute announcement of his participation as a replacement for Rafael Nadal.