Nick Kyrgios Reiterates Jannik Sinner Received Preferential Treatment During Doping Saga Because ATP CEO was Italian: “They’re Protecting Him”
Jannik Sinner is gearing up for the Six Kings Slam, where he will be playing as the defending champion.
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Jannik Sinner, Nick Kyrgios (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ, Jose Morgado)
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Whenever Nick Kyrgios is asked about Jannik Sinner‘s doping saga, his answer is always the same: the Italian received preferential treatment. Sinner has already moved on from undoubtedly the most controversial period of his career.
Almost every decision of the anti-doping bodies raised eyebrows. The fact that he received only a three-month ban from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) only added fuel to the controversy, as critics were convinced that WADA was succumbing to pressure because of Sinner’s high-profile status.
Kyrgios, during The Unscripted Show with Josh Mansour, talked about his relationship with the World No.2 and also made some comments on the doping case. The Aussie claimed the reason why Sinner did not get a harsh punishment for failing the drug test twice was that the CEO of the ATP at that time was Italian.
The thing about me is like I’m loved by a lot of the locker room, but then there are people that I can’t stand. Like obviously me and Jannik now like it’s pretty…it’s pretty grim. Like obviously, after the whole doping scandal with him, like testing positive and all that type of stuff.
Massimo Calvelli was ATP’s CEO when Sinner was dealing with the case. He stepped down in June 2025, following which, compatriot Andrea Gaudenzi served as an interim CEO. In September, the ATP announced the appointment of Kenya’s Eno Polo as the CEO.
Well, I mean, he’s number one player in the world, one like, and he’s going to be very, there’s no doubt like he’s an incredible player, and he’s going to be carrying the sport for the next 10 to 15 years with [Carlos] Alcaraz so. I mean, obviously they’re trying to, like, they’re protecting him to some degree… Well, I mean, the CEO and all the most important people in the ATP are all Italian.
Nick Kyrgios added
Kyrgios is currently on the sidelines because of fitness issues. He was last seen in action at the Citi Open, where he played doubles with Gael Monfils.
Jannik Sinner to play the Six Kings Slam next
Jannik Sinner was last seen in action at the Shanghai Masters, which he was playing as the defending champion. But his title defense ended in disaster, as severe cramps forced him to give the walkover to Tallon Griekspoor in the third round.
Sinner will next be playing the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition event in Riyadh, scheduled to start on Wednesday (October 15). The four-time Grand Slam champion will clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas, and the winner will schedule the semifinal match against Novak Djokovic. The Serb and Carlos Alcaraz have received first-round byes.
I’m very happy to be back here in Riyadh playing the Six Kings Slam. And I hope you guys enjoy. See you on Wednesday!
Jannik Sinner said in a video he shared on his Instagram story
Last year at the Six Kings Slam, Sinner took home the $6 million prize money by beating Alcaraz. If he meets the six-time Grand Slam champion in the final, then it will be their sixth meeting this season following their matches at the Italian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open.
Sinner only clinched the grass-court Major. The 22-year-old last played a match in the final of the Japan Open, where he beat Taylor Fritz to take home his maiden title in the event. Alcaraz then skipped the Shanghai Masters because of an injury he suffered during his Japan Open opening round. Sinner and Alcaraz have played 17 combined finals this season, winning 11 titles, including the four Majors.
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