Nick Kyrgios has defended his recent statements on social media concerning world No.1 Jannik Sinner's two positive doping tests.
When the news broke last week, Kyrgios quickly took to X and commented on the controversial issue, stating: "Ridiculous - whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance... you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream... yeah nice."
Speaking to American commentator Chris Fowler in the ESPN commentary booth for the US Open, the former Wimbledon runner-up doubled down on his stance and reaffirmed his opinion is nothing personal aimed toward Sinner.
“I think I stand by every word. Everything I put on social media I have to stand up for," said Kyrgios. "I’ve seen many of my friends go through doping things and being suspended. We’ve seen players like Halep and everyone and it seems like every time one of these things comes up, there’s always a different process for different players.
"It’s nothing against Sinner personally at all. I know how important he is. He’s one of the greatest tennis players we have right now.. and how important he’s gonna be for the next 15 years. I’m not denying any of that. Nothing against him personally.
"If you look at Jenson Brooksby [and other] players who’ve had their careers taken away for up to a year, and someone like Sinner just kind of doing it his own kind of way. I think he had it on his own terms for most of the time. I don’t think that’s fair and equal for the rest of the tour.”
Fowler then played devil's advocate to try and articulate the situation into context, noting that Sinner had one billionth of a gram of the banned substance in his system which "did not help him win the match."
However, Kyrgios reiterated that the responsibility is on the players' team, admitting to a "grey area" that needs urgent reevaluation.
“Every physio that’s employed by a player, as well as every player [is] sent a prohibited substance list every year. On page 5, it says ‘Prohibited at all times’. If there’s a clearing we need to get a definition of what ‘Prohibited at all times’ means.. I’m pretty sure that means no matter what amount or if it comes up or shows up. That means you tested positive.
"I guess there’s a grey area in what ‘Prohibited at all times’ means. Why is his team carrying a banned substance that we know is completely not necessary in the sport is another question itself. Guys like Alcaraz have been asked and kind of stayed neutral on it. But at the same time, there’s a lot of details we have been told as well.”
Comments