World No.1 Novak Djokovic has stated that he is ‘proud to be part of a clean sport’ after Andy Murray recently expressed concerns about doping in tennis.
At the Monte-Carlo Masters, Murray said that he had his own suspicions of players potentially using illegal substances based on ‘things he have heard’. The comments by Murray was slammed by Djokovic’s coach, Boris Becker. Becker called the comments ‘out of order’ and praised the effectiveness of the sports anti-doping system.
Weighing in on the argument, the world No.1 was quick to stress that he doesn’t have the same viewpoint of the British player.
“No I don’t,” Djokovic said during last night’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin.
“As long as we don’t have proof that the game is not clean, then it is clean. I’ve read what he [Murray] said, I have a great relationship with Andy, I’ve spoken to him, he didn’t mean specific individuals.”
Addressing Murray’s suspicions of doping in the sport based on what he has heard in the locker rooms. Djokovic branded them as nothing more than rumors with little proof.
“It’s tricky for tennis,” The world No.1 said, according to The Telegraph.
“There’s many stories that go round – betting, match-fixing, doping – it seems the weight has come down on tennis. But I think it all comes down to anti-doping agencies, governing bodies; they need to come out with proofs, if they don’t it’s only rumors. I’m proud to be part of a sport that is clean.”
Men’s tennis has managed to avoid any major doping controversies in recent time. Marin Cilic was briefly suspended in 2013 after testing positive for Nikethamide. The former US Open champion said that he accidentally ingested the substance after a member of his team brought some glucose tablets which contained the banned substance. Another case involved Viktor Troicki. The Serbian was banned after refusing to give a blood test during the 2013 Monte-Carlo Masters. Troicki claimed that he was told that he could miss the test due to feeling unwell and his fear of needles. After an appeal, his ban was reduced from 18 months to 12.
This year tennis players have been bombarded with questions about doping in the sport after Maria Sharapova failed a drugs test at the Australian Open. The Russian, who is currently awaiting an official hearing, confirmed in March that she tested positive for Meldonium.
