Just hours before the highly anticipated 2025 Roland Garros singles final, tennis legend Novak Djokovic set the tennis world ablaze by demanding two separate drug tests for his opponent, Italian star Jannik Sinner – a move that has drawn a fierce backlash, especially after a “shocking irregularity” in one of the test results.
The claim, made behind closed doors but quickly leaked to the press, has ignited a political storm in the world of professional tennis. While Djokovic has neither confirmed nor denied his role in pushing for additional testing, multiple sources within the tournament’s medical committee have verified that Sinner underwent two tests—one routine and one additional—following a formal request from Team Djokovic.
According to Roland Garros experts, Djokovic’s team filed the request citing what they called “suspicious levels of physical stamina” displayed by Sinner during the semifinal match, in which the Italian stunned 23-year-old world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set battle that lasted more than four hours.
“No one questions his talent,” said a source close to Djokovic’s camp, speaking on condition of anonymity. “But something just doesn’t add up. We’re here to keep the sport clean, not play politics.”
The French Tennis Federation (FFT), in a highly unusual move, approved the second test on condition of confidentiality, a condition that lasted less than 24 hours as the story leaked through Italian media outlets Tenisoggi , sending the Italian public into a frenzy.
Initial reports from Tenisoggi and the team suggest that the second test showed “trace elements inconsistent with previous samples ,” although no banned substances have been officially identified. The FFT has not directly commented on the content of the tests, but confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that Singer was cleared to compete in the final “pending review.”
Across Italy, the news hit like an earthquake. Outside the Colosseum in Rome, spontaneous protests erupted, with fans waving flags and chanting “ Justice for Jannik! ” On social media, hashtags like #Standwithsinner , #Djokovicout , and #Frenchfarce began trending worldwide within hours.
In a dramatic moment caught on live Italian television, former tennis great Adriano Panatta broke down in tears during a panel discussion, saying:
“They’re trying to humiliate a young man who has done nothing but honor the sport. This is political. This is sabotage.”
Even Italian Prime Minister Lucia Ferraro weighed in on the controversy, tweeting:
“Our champions deserve fair play, not strategic harassment disguised as procedural.”
Novak Djokovic has so far refused to comment publicly on the matter, focusing instead on final preparations. However, his silence has only added fuel to the fire, with many interpreting it as an implicit admission of involvement.
Tennis commentator and former coach Darren Cahill told Eurosport :
“Whether Novak intended this to leak or not, the optics are terrible. It looks like a mental war, and not the elegant kind.”
Cahill added that Djokovic “has every right to question what he sees on the court, but the timing is suspicious, especially given this is his last Roland Garros appearance before retirement.”
For Djokovic, this controversy risks overshadowing what may be his last chance at a 25th Grand Slam title. Already considered one of the sport’s fiercest competitors and most complex personalities, his legacy is once again under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, for Sinner, who has remained admirably composed throughout the ordeal, this could be a defining moment. In a brief statement, the Italian said:
“I’m here to play tennis. I’ve done everything by the book. I’m proud of my team, and I believe the truth will protect us.”
Sinner’s coach, Ricardo Piatti, aged:
“We’re fully cooperating. We have nothing to hide. But this circus before a Grand Slam final? Disgraceful.”
The final between Djokovic and Sinner is still scheduled to continue, but under a cloud of tension, speculation, and global attention. Security has been increased around both players, and tournament organizers have moved the post-final press conference to a private location due to “increasing security concerns.”
One thing is certain: win or lose, the 2025 Roland Garros final will go down in history, not just for tennis, but for the drama that unfolded long before the first serve.
