Paris, June 2025 — Just hours before the highly anticipated Roland Garros 2025 men’s 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 fierce backlash, especially following a “shocking irregularity” in one of the test results.
The demand, 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 the push 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 lodged by Team Djokovic.
According to insiders at Roland Garros, Djokovic’s team filed the request citing what they called “suspicious physical endurance levels” displayed by Sinner throughout the semi-final match, in which the 23-year-old Italian stunned world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set battle that lasted over four hours.
“Nobody’s questioning his talent,” said a source close to Djokovic’s camp, speaking under condition of anonymity. “But something just didn’t add up. We’re here to keep the sport clean, not to play politics.”
The French Tennis Federation (FFT), in a highly unusual move, approved the second test under the condition of confidentiality — a condition that lasted less than 24 hours as the story leaked through Italian media outlet TennisOggi, sending the Italian public into a frenzy.
Initial reports from TennisOggi and L’Équipe suggest that the second test showed “trace elements inconsistent with previous samples”, though no banned substances have yet been officially identified. The FFT has not commented directly on the content of the tests, but confirmed the investigation is ongoing and that Sinner was cleared to compete in the final “pending further review.”
Across Italy, the news hit like an earthquake. Outside the Colosseum in Rome, spontaneous protests erupted, with fans waving flags and chanting “Giustizia per Jannik!” (Justice for Jannik). On social media, hashtags like #StandWithSinner, #DjokovicOut, and #FrenchFarce began trending globally within hours.
In a dramatic moment caught on live Italian TV, former tennis great Adriano Panatta broke into tears during a panel discussion, saying:
“They are 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 procedure.”
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 meant for this to leak or not, the optics are terrible. It looks like mental warfare — and not the classy kind.”
Cahill added that Djokovic “has every right to question what he sees on court, but the timing is suspicious, especially given that this is his last Roland Garros appearance before retirement.”
For Djokovic, this controversy risks overshadowing what may be his final shot at a 25th Grand Slam title. Already regarded as 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 through 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, added:
“We are cooperating fully. We have nothing to hide. But this circus before a Grand Slam final? Shameful.”
The final between Djokovic and Sinner is still scheduled to go ahead, 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 “escalating safety concerns.”
One thing is certain: win or lose, the 2025 Roland Garros final will go down in history — not just for the tennis, but for the drama that unfolded long before the first serve.
