“Absolutely disgusting that Novak Djokovic’s using Tara Moore’s name”- Fans bring up PTPA’s “silence” after “pathetic” take on Jannik Sinner case
Fans Criticize Novak Djokovic for Mentioning Tara Moore in Jannik Sinner Doping Controversy
Novak Djokovic has drawn backlash from fans for citing Tara Moore while discussing alleged “favoritism” in the handling of Jannik Sinner’s doping case. Many pointed out the silence of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA)—which Djokovic co-founded—during Moore’s own doping case in 2022.
PTPA’s Silence on Moore’s Case Sparks Criticism
In 2022, British tennis player Tara Moore was provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance. However, the PTPA did not issue any public statements on her case. Later that year, when Simona Halep faced doping charges, the PTPA quickly released a statement in support of the former Grand Slam champion.
This apparent double standard frustrated Moore, who expressed her disappointment on X (formerly Twitter):
“Their silence tells you everything.”
Djokovic Faces Fan Backlash for Mentioning Moore
Sinner’s three-month suspension was officially confirmed after WADA appealed the ITIA’s initial no-fault verdict but ultimately settled with the Italian.
During his press conference at the Qatar Open, Djokovic criticized the handling of the case, arguing that it highlighted favoritism in anti-doping rulings.
“A majority of the players don’t feel that it’s fair. A majority of the players feel like there is favoritism happening.”
He then referenced Halep and Moore, noting how lesser-known players often face longer bans and struggle to resolve their cases.
“Simona Halep and Tara Moore, and some other players that are maybe less known, have been struggling to resolve their cases for years or have gotten bans for years. There are so many inconsistencies between the cases.”
However, fans took issue with Djokovic using Moore’s case, especially after she had already called out the PTPA’s silence on her situation.
One fan criticized Djokovic for only mentioning Moore now that it suited his argument against Sinner:
“Djokovic using Tara Moore’s case against Sinner is so shameless, man. His PTPA didn’t even advocate for her in the first place, but now that her name is convenient, he uses it. Unreal.”
Another fan echoed the frustration:
“It is absolutely disgusting that he is using her name to justify his argument when he didn’t do anything to support her.”
Others pointed out that Djokovic had never previously acknowledged Moore’s case despite his frequent public statements on tennis matters:
“Djokovic never used her name or referred to her case at all before, and he loves to talk. But he does it now because he wants to hurt Sinner! Pathetic.”
“Nobody, including Djokovic, knew about Moore’s case before her Twitter posts. Using her and Halep as examples now is crazy.”
Djokovic Calls for Overhaul of Anti-Doping System
Despite the backlash, Djokovic doubled down on his stance, insisting that the anti-doping system is flawed and calling for reforms to ensure fairness.
“Right now, it’s a ripe time for us to really address the system because it obviously doesn’t work. I hope that in the near future, the governing bodies will come together and find a more effective way to handle these cases. It’s inconsistent, and it appears to be very unfair.”
Sinner’s Return Timeline
Jannik Sinner’s suspension lasts until early May 2025, meaning he will return just in time for the Italian Open—his home Masters 1000 event.
After winning the Australian Open in January, the World No. 1 has avoided missing a Grand Slam due to the ban, as he will be eligible to compete in the French Open starting May 19.
