Nick Kyrgios doubles down on Jannik Sinner drug test criticism
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has once again taken aim at world number one Jannik Sinner over how his doping case was handled.
Nick Kyrgios has doubled down on his criticism of world number one Jannik Sinner.
The Australian tennis star came out swinging after it was revealed the Italian would not serve a ban despite failing two anti-doping tests.
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Sinner tested positive for low levels of the banned anabolic agent clostebol in March, once during the Indian Wells Masters and then again out-of-competition eight days later.
The positive tests saw him stripped of his results, prize money and 400 ranking points, despite all of that the International Tennis Integrity Agency ultimately found that he “bears no fault or negligence” for the violations — accepting his explanation that the drug entered his system when his physiotherapist used a spray containing it to treat a cut.
Kyrgios was one of many to hit out at the findings and he doubled down on his stance as the US Open got underway.
“Everything I put on social media I have to stand up for. I’ve seen many of my friends go through doping things and being suspended,” Kyrgios said on ESPN.
“We’ve seen players like (Simona) Halep and everyone and it seems like every time one of these things comes up, there’s always a different process for different players.
“It’s nothing against Sinner personally at all. I know how important he is. He’s one of the greatest tennis players we have right now and I know how important he’s gonna be for the next 15 years. I’m not denying any of that. Nothing against him personally.
“If you look at Jenson Brooksby and other players who’ve had their careers taken away for up to a year. Someone like Sinner just kind of doing it his own kind of way. I think he had it on his own terms for most of the time. I don’t think that’s fair and equal for the rest of the tour.”
When it was put to Kyrgios by ESPN host Chris Fowler that “there is the feeling that the money and status you have, the better advisory you have around you”, Kyrgios insisted “that’s what the fight is for”.
“That’s why these players have come to social media with a bit of discomfort in a way. I got tested at my hotels two days ago. We do get tested consistently. This is a sport I’ve played my whole life,” he added.
“I just want a level playing field for everyone.
“This is why I was against coaches in the player box. Not every player has a coach. Not every player in qualifying can afford a coach. If the playing field isn’t the same for everyone, you kind of lose the integrity of the sport a little bit.”
Tennis megastar Novak Djokovic said the feeling of anger coming from fellow tennis players surrounding the transparency of the Sinner case was valid.
“I understand the frustration of the players is there because of lack of consistency,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion said.
“As I understood, his case was cleared the moment basically it was announced. But, you know, I think five or six months passed since the news (of the positive tests) was brought to him and his team.
“So, yeah, there is a lot of issues in the system,” Djokovic said. “We see lack of standardised and clear protocols. I can understand the sentiments of a lot of players that are questioning whether they are treated the same.”
As the controversy surrounding Sinner continued, the Italian star secured victory in the opening round after defeating American Mackenzie McDonald 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-2.
Originally published as Nick Kyrgios doubles down on Jannik Sinner drug test criticism
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