Nick Kyrgios doubles down on Janink Sinner as failed drug test storm explodes again
Nick Kyrgios has launched his most outspoken attack yet on the handling of Jannik Sinner’s failed drug tests, as the 2022 Wimbledon finalist doubled down on his fiesty social media posts.
Sinner insists he did not get preferential treatment after avoiding a ban for two failed anti-doping tests and maintains he is “clean”, with Kyrgios emerging as the highest profile voice in the sport questioning that version of events.
It was revealed on Tuesday that Sinner tested positive for a banned substance twice in March but was absolved of fault or negligence by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation that clostebol, an anabolic agent that can aid muscle growth, had accidentally entered his system via a product one of his team had used to treat a small wound.
The decision has been met with criticism in the tennis world, with some players surprised at the speed at which the case was heard.
But Sinner says the quick timeframe was because he could explain the origin of the substance found in his body.
“Every player who gets tested positive has to go through the same process,” he said. “There is no shortcut, there is no different treatment, they are all the same process.
“I know sometimes the frustration of other players, but maybe because they got suspended they didn’t know exactly where it comes from, also what substance, but the main reason is where it comes from and how it entered in his own system.
“We knew it straight away and we were aware of what happened. We went straight away and I was suspended for two, three days. I couldn’t practice and everything.
“But they accepted it very, very fast and that’s why (I carried on playing).”
Kyrgios expressed his doubts over Sinner’s explanation for how he had an anabolic steroid in his system on X in recent days and amid an interview with ESPN, he didn’t hold back in suggesting the Australian Open champion was treated very differently to lower profile players who have also falling foul of the drug testers.
Citing the cases of Simona Halep and Jenson Brooksby – who both received bans after drug testing issues – the Aussie insisted his grip with Sinner was not personal as he weighed in with these comments.
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“I think I stand by every word,” said Kyrgios. “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 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.”
He went on to reveal he is still getting drug tests even though he is not an active member of the ATP Tour due to his injury issues, as he suggested players need to be responsible for what is put into their bodies.
“Every physio that’s employed by a player, as well as every player, we get sent a prohibited substance list every year,” he stated.
“On page 5, it says ‘Prohibited at all times’. If there’s a clearing we need to get a definition of what ‘Prohibited at all times’ means.
“I’m pretty sure that means no matter what amount or if it comes up or if it shows up, that means you tested positive. I guess there’s a grey area in what ‘Prohibited at all times’ means.
“Why is his team carrying a banned substance that we know is completely not necessary in the sport is another question itself.
“Guys like (Carlos) Alcaraz have been asked and kind of stayed neutral on it. But at the same time there’s a lot of things I think and details we have been told as well.
“I got tested at my hotels two days ago. We do get tested consistently. This is a sport I’ve played my whole life. 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.”
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