10 Years After Thrashing Tennis’ Anti-doping Rules, Novak Djokovic Finds a Similar Fate as Bizarre Davis Cup Story Gets Exposed

The highly anticipated Davis Cup match between Serbia and Great Britain was just about to start and Novak Djokovic was gearing himself up with all the pre-match rituals to help the team reach the final. However, amidst the high levels of competition in the tournament, an unexpected incident has raised the frustration levels of players, including Nole. A doping test, out of nowhere, brought out a very fierce version of Djokovic.

In a recent revelation, the Serbian legend talked about the ongoing system while lashing out at the authorities for their reckless behavior. However, this was not the first time that anything of this sort had happened to him.

Davis Cup doping test déjà vu frustrates Novak Djokovic

In a recent turn of events, Novak Djokovic found himself at the center of a doping control test just moments before the Serbia vs. Great Britain Davis Cup duel. This was completely unexpected for the Serbian, who later expressed his frustration. Djokovic highlighted the fact that the interference of the doping agencies during his pre-match routine disturbed his flow and the mindset with which he enters the court.

The tests for doping control included blood withdrawal. Novak went ahead and labeled the decision as “illogical” and “shameful.” He talked about his willingness to comply with the rules, but questioned the timing. “A man sits in the corner. He follows me for hours. I had a discussion with him because in 20 years of my career, it didn’t happen to me before. I received a notification an hour and a half before the match. I have my routine and I don’t need to be distracted. To think about drawing blood, to think about whether I will be able to give a sample of urine… A completely illogical decision,” said Novak Djokovic.

“I’ve always supported testing, but not before the match. What will that change? I’ll be there, when the match is over, test me. I have a blood test coming up. I hope they change the decision,” he further continued. Novak Djokovic, through his comments, was very upfront when it came to smashing the authorities regarding their schedule of doping tests. However, this is not the first time that this has happened to him. Back in 2013, a similar incident prompted him and his coach to criticize the process.

When Djokovic slammed the authorities for their anti-doping test schedules

As the unexpected dope test controversy update made it to the headlines, it reminded fans of a similar incident. A decade ago, Novak Djokovic, along with his current Davis Cup captain and compatriot Viktor Troicki, criticized tennis’ anti-doping procedures. Troicki faced a year-long ban for missing a drug test. He later suggested that he felt like he was treated unjustly, likening the experience to being treated “like a criminal.”

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Djokovic came to his support and slammed the system as “ridiculous” and ineffective. “I don’t have trust in them anymore,” said the 26-year-old at the time. “I don’t have trust in what’s going on.” Over the years, the Serbian has raised his voice and stood up against the uncertainty that the system presents.

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