Back in February, Novak Djokovic didn’t mince words when he declared, “It’s not a good image for our sport, that’s for sure. The majority of the players feel like there is favouritism happening,” voicing his discontent over what he believed was an unfair anti-doping process following Jannik Sinner’s three-month suspension. Months later, as the Italian star shines again at the ATP Finals, Djokovic has reignited the discussion during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, where Sinner was mockingly hailed with a wild ‘GOAT’ comment.

Novak Djokovic is set for a fiery sit-down with British journalist Piers Morgan, a meeting that already carries a hint of old tension. A short teaser from the upcoming interview lit up social media, showing Morgan pushing the Serb to compare two defining controversies. When asked if there was a “cloud” over Jannik Sinner following his doping case, Djokovic didn’t hesitate.

“That cloud will follow him as the cloud of COVID will follow me,” he said, drawing a sharp parallel to his own vaccine saga from 2022, before adding that Morgan should “ask him,” implying that he should interview Sinner to know more. The exchange took a witty turn when Morgan quipped, “I only interview GOATs,” prompting laughter, but beneath the banter, the moment carried weight, truth, and an unmistakable edge.

In March 2024, Jannik Sinner’s world was rocked when he twice tested positive for the banned substance clostebol, an anabolic steroid. The world No. 1 firmly denied any intent to enhance his performance, insisting the traces found in his system were the result of a bare-handed massage administered by his physiotherapist.

An independent tribunal cleared Sinner that August, ruling he bore “no fault or negligence,” a verdict that momentarily quelled the storm. Yet, the matter resurfaced months later when, in February 2025, it was announced that Sinner had accepted a three-month suspension from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to bearing “partial responsibility” for his team’s actions.

The decision, reached as a compromise to avoid escalation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, was controversial. Drug authorities had initially sought a ban ranging from one to two years. The timing of the suspension, which conveniently spared Sinner from missing any of the four Majors, raised eyebrows both within and beyond the tennis world.

Critics argued that his wealth and influence allowed him access to elite legal defense, a luxury unavailable to most lower-ranked players who might never have been offered such leniency.

Despite the skepticism, Sinner’s standing among fans in Italy remained untarnished. He continues to be adored — a national hero, and the reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion.

Now, as the controversy fades and Sinner competes again at the ATP Finals, another chapter unfolds as Novak Djokovic receives a long-overdue apology from Piers Morgan, reigniting echoes of a storm that began three years ago.

Piers Morgan issues on-air apology for harsh Novak Djokovic accusations

In January 2022, the tennis world witnessed one of its most dramatic sagas as Serbian icon Novak Djokovic was sensationally expelled from Australia. The 38-year-old was denied the chance to defend his Melbourne crown after immigration officials ruled he failed to meet the COVID-19 vaccination requirements then strictly enforced. Back at the height of the pandemic, entry into the country demanded full vaccination, unless one could provide an accepted medical exemption.

Djokovic fought hard to prove he had the right paperwork, launching an urgent legal challenge that gripped global headlines. Yet his visa was cancelled not once but twice, a decision that sealed his fate. What followed shocked fans and critics alike. Despite his legendary status and immense fortune, the 24-time Grand Slam champion was confined to an immigration detention hotel, officially labelled a public health risk.

Stripped of the chance to play in the tournament he has conquered a record ten times, Djokovic was eventually deported, his hopes and pride shattered as he boarded a plane back to Europe. The controversy split public opinion, but few were louder in criticism than British broadcaster Piers Morgan.

On television, Morgan had blasted the Serb, declaring: “If I want to go to America, I have to take a test and show my vaccination status. That’s it. So he shouldn’t be allowed to play, right? It stops you from dying. I mean, that’s the whole point of the vaccine. He’s also a role model who will definitely deter a lot of people who perhaps should have the jab.”

His comments didn’t stop there. On social media, Morgan doubled down, posting: “BREAKING: Covid rule cheat, immigration form liar & anti-vaxxer icon Novak Djokovic loses final appeal against deportation & will be thrown out of Australia without being able to compete in Aus Open. Good.”

But time, as always, reshapes perspective. In a new teaser for Piers Morgan Uncensored, the outspoken journalist sits across from Djokovic, opening the interview with an unexpected tone. “I want to make an apology,” Morgan begins.

The Serb’s response was measured yet firm: “What you said, it speaks volumes about the person that you are. I’m just saying I’m not like that.” 

As Djokovic closes another unforgettable season and the new one looms, fans await the full conversation of the show, one that promises redemption, reflection, and perhaps, reconciliation.