- Nick Kyrgios is being criticized for comments about former
- Some tennis fans are calling for his dismissal
- His ex Anna Kalinskaya is now dating Jannik Sinner
Nick Kyrgios has caused outrage with a comment he made about his ex-girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya, with some tennis fans calling for the Australian to be sacked from his commentary position.
On Saturday, the 29-year-old commented on a photo of himself and Kalinskaya at a Los Angeles Lakers game in 2020 and wrote “second serve.”
It is not exactly clear what Kyrgios meant by the comment, but many fans feel it is a dig at Italian superstar Jannik Sinner, who is now in a relationship with Kalinskaya.
In recent weeks, Kyrgios has openly criticised Sinner, insisting he should be suspended following two positive drug tests.
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.
Kyrgios’ response to a photo of him and his ex Anna Kalinskaya has caused a stir
Tennis star Anna Kalinskaya is now dating world number one Janik Sinner
Kyrgios’ comments have polarised fans, with some agreeing with the Australian and others accusing him of being resentful that Sinner is now dating his ex-partner Kalinskaya.
His recent comment on social media has caused some fans to call for him to be fired from ESPN.
“ESPN, Kyrgios is a misogynist. His tennis career is over and he has no respect for the players or the game. Get rid of him,” one fan posted on X.
“It’s disgusting that ESPN allows Kyrgios to interview tennis players after his horrible words against Jannik Sinner and the sexist joke against Anna Kalinskaya,” another responded.
“It’s also absolutely disgusting that @espn continues to employ a misogynist like Kyrgios,” posted a third.
Kyrgios, who is currently dating Costteen Hatzi, says 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.
Italy’s Sinner was cleared of any wrongdoing after failing a doping test earlier this year
Many tennis fans feel Kyrgios’ comment about his ex was out of line.
“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 warm and welcoming like 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.”