Novak Djokovic says the ongoing doping case involving world No. 1 Jannik Sinner is “not helping tennis at all” and that it points to a “system that is not working well.”

Twenty-four time Grand Slam champion Djokovic was asked for his thoughts on the matter ahead of his appearance at the Shanghai Masters this week.

“I think it’s quite obvious that we have a system that is not working well,” Djokovic said.

“I guess that’s probably something that even the people who are not following our sport are realising.

“There are way too many inconsistencies, way too many governing bodies involved. Just this whole case is not helping our sport at all.”

Djokovic was impressed by the performances of the 23-year-old amid the backdrop of the doping case.

“I think he has won the three appeals so far that he had, and it must be very tough for him and his team and family. Hopefully, we can go back to tennis,” Djokovic said.

“It’s impressive what he has been doing, in the whole process of what’s been happening, that he’s playing such a high level, winning Grand Slams and winning most of the matches that he plays.

“But this situation or these circumstances are not positive for our sport, so hopefully we can resolve this case as soon as possible.

“Whatever’s going to happen, at the end of the day, I just wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible. That’s all I have to say about that.”

The four-time major champion said: “I think for tennis it’s not really good, not really a good sign for tennis in general. I thought it was closed. This month I didn’t know what happened exactly.

“I just saw the news and it surprised me a little bit. Okay, what’s going on, that the case is open again? I don’t know how it’s going to be the next months. For sure, to tennis, not a good sign.”