“Novak Djokovic got robbed” – Fans outraged by Jannik Sinner not retroactively losing World No. 1 spot despite point penalty after failed drug tests
Novak Djokovic Robbed: Fans Outraged Over Jannik Sinner’s World No. 1 Status Amid Point Penalty Controversy
Recent controversy has engulfed the tennis world following Jannik Sinner’s recent failed drug tests and the subsequent handling of his World No. 1 ranking. Fans and analysts alike are expressing outrage over the decision not to retroactively strip Sinner of his top spot, a move they argue would have been fair given the circumstances.
Jannik Sinner will keep his No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings despite a 400-point penalty, which will not be applied retroactively. This decision has allowed Sinner to remain ahead of Novak Djokovic in the rankings, causing significant reactions from Djokovic’s fans. Many feel that Sinner should have lost his top position, leading to a heated debate within the tennis community about the fairness of ranking decisions and the implications for the sport’s integrity.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found that the amount of steroid in Jannik Sinner’s system was minimal and did not enhance his performance. As a result, the reigning Australian Open champion was cleared of any wrongdoing and permitted to continue competing.
However, Sinner was later penalized with a $325,000 fine and lost 400 ranking points, which he had earned for reaching the semifinals at Indian Wells. Despite this, his No. 1 ranking was not affected retroactively.
According to journalist Ben Rothenberg, Jannik Sinner’s 400 ranking points will not be deducted retroactively but will be removed in this week’s rankings instead. Last week, Sinner had 8,770 points, and a retroactive deduction would have lowered him to 8,370 points, putting Novak Djokovic at No. 1 with 8,460 points. However, with the points being deducted this week, Djokovic, now with 7,460 points, will still not surpass Sinner, who will remain ahead with 8,960 points after the deduction.
Update—I got an answer from ATP:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 21, 2024
Sinner’s 400 ranking points from Indian Wells that were invalidated will *NOT* be retroactively subtracted.
Last week will therefore still be counted as Jannik Sinner’s 10th at #1, not Novak Djokovic’s 429th.
Can’t say I think that’s right. https://t.co/euVGqlW0GE pic.twitter.com/D2MYF6dYzs
This development has left many Novak Djokovic fans feeling discontented, with some expressing their frustration on social media, particularly regarding the ATP’s decision. One fan remarked,
Novak got robbed so many times already, this one week can stay on Jannik’s conscience.
— Sosa (@Sosa246810) August 21, 2024
“Novak has been robbed so many times already; this one week can rest on Jannik’s conscience.”
The sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction among Djokovic’s supporters, who believe that the handling of Sinner’s ranking points has unfairly impacted their favorite player’s standing.
So Djokovic is denied a week at No.1 because Jannik Sinner’s 400 points from Indian Wells are being removed only after the ruling and are not struck from the record altogether. Make it make sense ATP,” another said.
“My goat got rubbed again I’m out,” another fan added.
Here are a few more reactions from fans:
“Only Laver Cup gets retroactive points @atptour corrupt af,” one fan commented.
“wow 😭😭😭 this is fu*ked up like how does that even make any sense,” a fan said .
“how does that make sense? he cheated so they should be dropped from day 1 and not months later,” another said.
