We need more dope testing, says Roger Federer
Swiss rejects Djokovic's claims that anti-doping procedures are not up to scratch
Roger Federer said he trusts the anti-doping procedures in tennis despite rival Novak Djokovic’s claim that fellow Serb’s Victor Troicki’s one-year ban was the result of negligence by the authorities.
The 17-times grand slam champion still thinks that players are not tested regularly enough, however, even if the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has taken steps to bolster its stance against doping.
Troicki learned this week that his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against an 18-month ITF ban for refusing to give a blood sample at the Monte Carlo Masters in April had been only partially successful with his sanction reduced to 12 months.
That prompted a furious response from Djokovic at the ATP World Tour Finals this week with the world number two declaring he no longer trusted the sport’s anti-doping controls.
Federer offered a more measured view after beating Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-3 to stay on course for the semi-finals at the season-ending tournament.
“Overall I trust the system,” the 32-year-old said. “I think they’re all very professional.