“Not going to be as hospitable to him,” Nick Kyrgios doubles down on Jannik Sinner doping controversy

Nick Kyrgios doubled down on his criticism of Jannik Sinner's doping case and vowed not to be hospitable to the Italian going forward.

“Not going to be as hospitable to him,” Nick Kyrgios doubles down on Jannik Sinner doping controversy

Nick Kyrgios (inset) and Jannik Sinner (via Imago)

Nick Kyrgios has yet again criticized the way the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) handled Jannik Sinner’s doping case. The outspoken Australian star admitted that he would not be hospitable to the World No. 1 in the locker room while insisting on a level playing field.

Sinner tested positive twice for clostebol in March during and after the Indian Wells Masters. The ITIA kept the news hidden from the public but set up an independent tribunal to investigate the doping case. The Italian defended himself by stating that clostebol entered his system when his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi was massaging him with a spray that contained the banned substance.

YouTube video

The ITIA ultimately cleared the World No. 1 of any fault or negligence for the positive dope tests. He was only stripped of the 400 ranking points and $320,000 prize money earned at Indian Wells. However, since the ruling became public, several tennis players and legends have aired their grievances, with many claiming that it was unfair.

FS Video

Notable among them was Nick Kyrgios, who opined that Sinner should have been suspended for two years. Recently, during ESPN’s coverage of the ongoing US Open, the tennis star revealed he will not be gracious and friendly with Sinner going forward due to the doping saga.

I got tested at my hotel 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. I’m not going to be as hospitable to him as I was before when I’m in the locker room.
Nick Kyrgios said

Kyrgios has remained outspoken since the Sinner’s doping saga was announced. He further stated that he stood by every word he had earlier said about the doping case.

RELATED
“It’s very strange how the case was handled,” Tallon Griekspoor admits Jannik Sinner doping saga was treated differently than usual
Tallon Griekspoor and Jannik Sinner (via Imago)

Jannik Sinner denies wrongdoing as doping controversy gains criticism

Jannik Sinner has reiterated his innocence about the doping saga. The Italian recently parted ways with his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi and fitness coach Umberto Ferrara, who both had a hand in the banned substance entering his system.

Jannik Sinner (2)
Jannik Sinner (Image via X)

The ITIA ruling has gendered a lot of criticism and attention on the Italian, who has continued to maintain that he respects the rules governing the sport. He will hope to switch his attention when he begins his US Open campaign on Tuesday (August 27) against American MacKenzie McDonald.

It's not ideal before a Grand Slam. But in my mind, I know that I haven't done anything wrong. I always respect these rules, and I always will respect these rules of anti-doping.
Jannik Sinner said (via Fox Sports)

Sinner’s best run at the US Open came in 2022 when he reached the quarterfinals. He lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller that lasted over five hours. The 23-year-old entered the tournament in good form this year, having won the Cincinnati Open a few days ago.

In case you missed it: