Nick Kyrgios has made his feelings clear after an independent tribunal ruled that Jannik Sinner “bore no fault or negligence” for two anti-doping violations.
The world No. 1 tested positive for the banned substance clostebol twice earlier this year. He was allowed to continue playing after successfully appealing his provisional suspensions earlier this year, with experts accepting that his contamination argument was plausible.
But Kyrgios has been vocal in his thoughts on social media. And he doubled down while commentating on the US Open for ESPN, sending Sinner a message about their future relations.
The Australian admitted that he would be treating Sinner differently after he avoided a suspension for his positive test results. “I’m not going to be as hospitable to him as I was before when I’m in the locker room,” he said in the commentary booth on Monday.
Kyrgios also addressed his recent social media comments, in which he claimed that Sinner should be “gone for two years”, and explained that it was nothing personal. He continued: “I think I stand by every word. 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.
“We’ve seen players like 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 how important he’s gonna be for the next 15 years. I’m not denying any of that. Nothing against him personally.”
Chris Fowler, who was leading ESPN’s commentary, replied: “There is the feeling that the money and status you have, the better advisory you have around you.. there’s a feeling that there’s not a level playing field in terms of response to an accusation.”
And Kyrgios noted that he wanted consistency for all players. “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.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
