DJOKOVIC BACKS TROICKI

Novak Djokovic has come in support of his compatriot Viktor Troicki who has been handed a ban of one and half years recently by the International Tennis Federation.

Actually, Troicki was asked to give a sample of his urine and blood while he was taking part in the Monte Carlo Masters in April. The Serbian player gave the urine sample, but, refused to give the blood sample saying that he was not feeling well.

When asked about Troicki being banned, Djokovic said, “It’s not good news for Serbian tennis. I know Viktor pretty well and I am sure he hasn’t done anything wrong. I am backing him. I hope he will return back soon.”

Meanwhile, according to Troicki, the doping officer had told him that it would not make a difference if he doesn’t give the blood sample.

But, the International Tennis Federation denies anything like that. According to ITF, the doping officer had clearly told Troicki that she had no idea whether not giving the blood sample is acceptable or not.

Talking to a Serbian news channel a couple of days back, Troicki said, “It’s a tough phase for me. I am not guilty. The truth will come out.”

The ITF has made it quite clear that Troicki can appeal against this ban if he wants.

Troicki was in Croatia when he got the news that he had been suspended. Just a few hours before that, he was knocked out from the Vegeta Croatia Open. He was defeated in the straight sets in the second round by Tommy Robredo of Spain.

Troicki has been around since quite a while, but, he has so far managed to win only one ATP title in his career. He hasn’t featured in an ATP final in the last 2 years.