'Didn't like how that was handled': Novak Djokovic admits 'cloud' will hang over Jannik Sinner due to doping saga

Novak Djokovic has no doubts that a cloud will hang over Jannik Sinner for the rest of his career due to the handling of his "very odd" three-month doping ban.

Sinner served a suspension in February after he was found to have twice tested positive to a prohibited substance, which the world No.1 claimed he'd become contaminated by through a cream applied by his physiotherapist.

The handling of the case divided across the tennis world as many noted the vast differences between the treatment given to Sinner, being that he wasn't suspended while the investigation was underway, and that of lesser-known players.

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Sinner's time away from the professional tour over those 12 weeks did not halt his power, returning to the court in style to win on the All England green at Wimbledon.

But the "many red flags" surrounding the handling of his doping case could not be overlooked by some members of the public or Djokovic, who just three years ago found himself receiving similar responses after being deported from Australia.

"That cloud will follow him as the cloud of COVID will follow me for the rest of my career," Djokovic, who was branded a "liar and cheat" in 2022 after refusing to receive the COVID vaccine, said in an interview with Piers Morgan.

"It is just something that ... it was so major that when it happens, over time it will fade, but I don't think it will disappear. There are always going to be certain groups of people who will try to bring that forward.

"You could hear so many other players, both male and female, who had some similar situations coming out and complaining that it was a preferable treatment.

"The lack of transparency, the inconsistency, the convenience of the ban coming between the slams so he doesn't miss them - it was very, very odd.

"I really didn't like how that case was being handled."

Djokovic did not shy away from expressing his feelings about the situation at the time it was unfolding, raising questions about the timing of the ban as it did not overlap with any grand slam tournaments.

Asked if he believed that Sinner was being truthful about the ruling, Djokovic had a simple response.

"I've known Jannik since he was 13 or 14. His first serious coach was my coach as well ... he always came across very genuine, nice, quiet, he had his own world and didn't care too much about the lights of society," the Serbian star said.

"I liked that mentality, so when this happened, I was shocked. I do think he didn't do it on purpose, but the way the whole case was handled, there are so many red flags.

"I want to believe him and knowing my history with him, I don't think he did it on purpose. But, of course, he is responsible for when something like this happens; those are the rules.

"When you see someone have something similar or the same, then get banned for years and he is banned for three months, it is just not right.

"It is not easy for him. I do have a sense of empathy and compassion for him. I think he has handled the storm in the media very maturely and steadily.

"In the midst of all that, he is still dominating and winning slams."

The damage the doping ban will have on the Italian star's legacy in the sport is yet to be known, but Djokovic is confident his own mishaps won't tarnish his reputation.

Instead, he has a simple phrase in mind that he hopes people remember him for.

"The man who touched people's hearts," he declared.

"I would love the achievements, the results, crowns and results - they are something that I am very proud of and that I've worked my ass off for my entire life.

"But I think I have realised (that's) what I want on my tombstone."