Novak Djokovic says he does not share Andy Murray's concerns about potential doping in tennis, although he did note that the sport’s reputation has been dragged down by the recent spate of controversies.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on Sunday, Murray said he has sometimes been "suspicious" of opponents, and also called for more transparency and an increase in the anti-doping budget.
Djokovic said he did not agree with the tenor of Murray's comments.
"As long as we don’t have proof that [the] game is not clean, then it is clean,” he said at the Laureus World Sports Awards, where he was voted Sportsman of the Year. “I’ve read what he said. I have [a] great relationship with Andy. I’ve spoken to him. He didn’t mean specific individuals.
The No. 1-ranked Djokovic wants more evidence to back up the recent accusations made against the sport.
“It’s tricky for tennis," he said. "There’s many stories that go around—betting, match-fixing, doping—[and] it seems the weight has come down on tennis. But I think it all comes down to anti-doping agencies, governing bodies—they need to come out with proof. If they don’t, it’s only rumors. I’m proud to be part of a sport that is clean."
Speaking about his recent dominance, Djokovic said, "Everything came together. Not one particular thing. It is a very holistic approach."
The Serb is 28-2 on the season.
"I’ve worked very hard to perfect my game, to get it to another level,” he said. “I tried to keep myself healthy with the lifestyle I’ve had.”
Djokovic and Murray are No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in the rankings.