- Nick Kyrgios has doubled down on his criticism of Jannik Sinner
- Australian tennis star criticises Italian’s drug saga
- Kyrgios says he will lead the fight to save the “integrity” of tennis
Nick Kyrgios has insisted he “stands by every word” of his criticism of Jannik Sinner’s doping case, with the Australian tennis star saying he will lead the fight to save “the integrity of the sport”.
Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol during the Indian Wells tournament on March 10 and again eight days later.
The Italian was provisionally suspended but successfully appealed and is eligible to continue playing on the ATP Tour while the International Tennis Integrity Unit assesses all the evidence.
Sinner’s explanation for the banned substance entering his system was that his physiotherapist Umberto Ferrara used a spray containing clostebol to treat a wound on the tennis star’s finger.
The 23-year-old’s team said Ferrara had bought the spray in Italy, one of the few countries that allows people to buy products containing clostebol without a prescription.
An outraged Kyrgios immediately took to Twitter following the news and called for Sinner to be suspended.
“It’s ridiculous, whether accidental or planned,” Kyrgios wrote.
‘If you are tested twice for a banned substance (steroid)… you should be out for two years.
Nick Kyrgios insists he “stands” by his criticism of Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner
Italy’s Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing after failing a doping test earlier this year
“Your performance has improved. Massage cream… Yes, that’s good.”
Kyrgios has since reaffirmed his stance by taking to the commentary stage at this year’s US Open.
“I have to defend everything I post on social media,” he said on ESPN via Nine.
“I’ve seen a lot of my friends go through doping situations and get suspended. We’ve seen players like (Simona) Halep or Jenson Brooksby, players who have had their careers taken away… it seems like every time one of these things comes up, there’s always a different process for different players.
“I think he did it his way for the most part. I don’t think it’s fair or equal for the rest of the tours.
‘Every physiotherapist who works for a player, as well as every player… we are sent a list of prohibited substances every year.
‘On page five it says ‘Prohibited at all times.’ If there’s a clear cut, we need a definition of what ‘Prohibited at all times’ means. I’m pretty sure that means it doesn’t matter how much or if it shows up… that means it tested positive.
But Australian tennis star Kyrgios said he would fight to save the “integrity” of tennis.
“Why their team is carrying a banned substance that we know is not necessary at all in sport is another question.”
Kyrgios added that he has no problem with Sinner personally, but admitted he will struggle to put the saga behind him if they ever face each other on court.
“I have nothing against Sinner personally. He’s one of the best tennis players we have at the moment. I don’t deny that. I have nothing against him personally,” Kyrgios said.
“I’m definitely not going to be as warm and welcoming as I was before. I just want a level playing field for everyone. That’s what this fight is for.”
“I got tested at the hotel where I’m staying two days ago. They test us constantly. It’s a sport I’ve played all my life. If the playing field isn’t the same for everyone, you lose a bit of the integrity of the sport.”