Novak Djokovic breaks his silence on tennis doping scandals - and reveals what he really thinks of Nick Kyrgios's tough stance

Novak Djokovic has unloaded on tennis's governing bodies for their lack of transparency over the doping cases that have rocked the sport this year - echoing the stance of his former rival turned friend Nick Kyrgios.

Specifically, the 24-time Grand Slam champion claimed that tennis players had been 'kept in the dark' in relation to Jannik Sinner's case.

The Italian had been found to have failed two doping tests in March, but had been found not to be at fault.

Despite that, Sinner, 23, still faces the threat of a possible suspension, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) set to appeal the International Tennis Integrity Agencies' (ITIA) decision that this year's Australian Open winner bore 'no fault or negligence' in relation to his positive tests for clostebol.

Fellow Grand Slam winner, Iga Swiatek has also served a one-month ban for testing positive for a banned substance in August, while Aussie star Max Purcell accepted a suspension last week, after he admitted to breaching doping rules.

Kyrgios has been outspoken on the situation for some time, claiming that the recent issues gave off a 'disgusting' look for tennis.

Novak Djokovic has echoed Nick Kyrgios's comments condemning tennis's governing bodes over the doping scandals that have hit the sport recently

A furious Kyrgios has been outspoken about Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek's alleged breaches of doping rules

Sinner (pictured) allegedly failed two doping tests back in March but was cleared by the ITIA. WADA are now appealing that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

'I just think that it's been handled horrifically in our sport,' Kyrgios, 29, said.

'Two world number ones is disgusting for our sport.

'It's a horrible look.'

Djokovic and Kyrgios are set to partner up for the men's doubles at this year's Brisbane International, with their first match coming on Monday night at the Pat Rafter Arena against Alexander Erler and Andrewa Mies.

But on Sunday, Djokovic provided his thoughts on the doping scandals that have rocked tennis and sided with Kyrgios.

'It's not a good image, not a good look for our sport,' he told Sky Sports.

'I believe that in the last 20-plus years that I've been playing on the professional tour that we've been one of the cleanest sports.

'I'm just questioning the way the system works really and why certain players are not treated the same as the other players. The issue is the inconsistency, the transparency.'

Djokovic has blasted the lack of transparency on doping, particularly around the Sinner case

Kyrgios, meanwhile, took to social media to back Djokovic's claims, writing: 'Goat has spoken'

Kyrgios had previously slammed the decision not to suspend Sinner as 'ridiculous'.

His comments have ignited a fiery feud with the men's World No 1, with Kyrgios claiming that he felt 'people were trying to sweep Sinner's situation under the rug.'

Djokovic, meanwhile, said: 'We've been kept in the dark with Jannik's case. I'm not questioning whether he took the banned substance intentionally or not.

'I believe in the clean sport, I believe the player will do everything possible to be playing fair and I've known Jannik since he was very young - he doesn't strike me as somebody that would do such a thing.

'But I've been really frustrated, as most of the players (have), to see that we've been kept in the dark for five months.'

The 10-time Australian Open champion's comments were subsequently backed by Kyrgios on social media, with the Aussie star taking to X to back Djokovic on Sunday night.

He wrote 'Goat has spoken' in response to a post that had detailed Djokovic's comments on doping in tennis.

Kyrgios, meanwhile, is set to make his long awaited return to the court on Monday, with the Australian having only played once competitively in the past two years.

Djokovic and Kyrgios will partner up this week in the men's doubles at the Brisbane International

The 29-year-old had feared he'd never play again after having undergone wrist reconstruction surgery this year.

Prior to that, he had also overcome knee and ankle ligament issues that had derailed his 2023 season.

'Even to get back on the court from the surgery I had was a miracle, to be honest,' Kyrgios said.

Kyrgios is preparing to play at this summer's Australian Open, claiming that he is taking one step at a time to get back to full fitness.

'I just take it day by day, doing everything I can to get back out on the court and have some success.'

He also spoke out on how he and Djokovic came to the revelation that they should partner up for the Brisbane International this week.

'We spoke earlier, at Wimbledon, about playing together when he is back on tour,' Kyrgios told reporters.

'Now we have the first chance right away in the first week of the season, should be fun.'

Kyrgios, who won the Australian Open men's doubles event in 2022 alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis, who has pulled out of this week's tournament.

On Tuesday, Kyrgios will take on Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his first singles match back from injury in the opening round of the men's singles at The Queensland Tennis Centre.

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