Stefanos Tsitsipas Knew About Nick Kyrgios’ Failed Drug Test Before ITIA’s Announcement: “I Kind of Expected It”

While many tennis players are competing in the ongoing US Open, Nick Kyrgios is serving his provisional suspension that started on August 4. Stefanos Tsitsipas said he has already expected Kyrgios’ ban but thinks the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) took a long time to announce his failed test.

There still seemed to be bad blood between Tsitsipas and Kyrgios, as both have been involved in on-court altercations and criticism of each other. So when Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios’ suspension at the press conference after his first-round win over Arthur Fils, he gave a blunt assessment of the whole thing.

I knew about all of this before any announcement was made, and when I saw it on social media, I was, like, ‘Here we go.’ I kind of expected it, to be honest. I knew that those were things that were happening away from the tennis courts. I will tell you that.

Kyrgios provided the sample during the ATP 250 Mallorca Open on 22 June 2026. Then on July 17, it was confirmed that the sample contained a metabolite of cocaine. When the ITIA announced the suspension, Kyrgios also took to his social media and admitted his mistake.

I’m not going to try and cover up someone that I know the truth for. I’ll consider myself a nice person with everyone, but these were behaviors that I personally heard on the tour and heard other people in that same environment saying those sorts of things to me… When I saw [the suspension], I was, like, well, pretty much expected, to be honest. I am surprised it came so late, though.

Stefanos Tsitsipas added

Kyrgios got under Tsitsipas’ nerves during their intense third-round clash at the 2022 Wimbledon, where the former also later reached the final, only to lose in four sets to Novak Djokovic. After that third-round match, the Greek ace called Kyrgios a bully, a label often used by his colleagues to describe the Aussie for his controversial statements.

Kyrgios was quite vocal about Sinner and Iga Swiatek‘s doping cases, and frequently took to X to share his scathing remarks, accusing both players of using drugs to enhance performance, as well as accusing the anti-doping agencies of providing preferential treatment to them.

And now that Kyrgios himself has been dealing with a similar situation, many in the tennis world are refusing to spare him. Though there are people who are sympathizing with him, as Kyrgios has been very vocal about his own struggles with mental health.

Stefanos Tsitsipas on his win over Arthur Fils

Arthur Fils was confident going into the US Open after lifting his career’s first Big Title at the Cincinnati Masters by beating home favorite Frances Tiafoe. But Stefanos Tsitsipas did not let him continue his winning ways with a 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1, 6-4 win in the first round of the US Open.

I actually was very calm in the last game, like very calm. I wasn’t thinking too much of what the outcome might be in a few points from there. So, I was just playing each and every point individually […] it was a refreshing feeling to see that ace come out of out of my racket, and it’s a big win for me. As much as you know, I’ve been competing out there for a while now, it’s one of those that really adds to my game.

Stefanos Tsitsipas said at the press conference

Tsitsipas also admitted the win was crucial for his confidence. The win also marked Tsitsipas’ first victory over the Frenchman after five back-to-back defeats.

Tsitsipas will next be facing Lloyd Harris, who beat  Jack Kennedy. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up has never made it past the third round of the US Open.

Also read: Justine Henin Sounds the Alarm Bells on Novak Djokovic’s Future After US Open Exit: “Best is Behind Him”