Nick Kyrgios has never been someone to hold back his opinion, particularly when it’s about Jannik Sinner’s doping case. He has been consistent with his criticism ever since an independent inquiry of ITIA concluded that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence” despite failing the dope test twice at the Indian Wells. Kyrgios called the ITIA’s verdict “ridiculous” back then. It’s no surprise that he is not overly amused about WADA’s out-of-court settlement with Sinner now which has let the Italian get away with just a 3-month ban. Kyrgios’ criticism of Sinner is drawing him backlash on social media, but the Aussie, as usual, remains unapologetic, refusing to bow down from his stance.
Recently, a fan page shared a futuristic scenario on X, featuring Nick Kyrgios in 2084, where he is old but not over Jannik Sinner’s doping case. “Did I tell you about the time Jannik Sinner failed two doping tests? The whole system is rigged! Why won’t the establishment do anything? This is why I never won a big title,” the fan page wrote in the caption mocking Kyrgios who, according to them, would talk about this doping controversy even in 2084. The post instantly went viral, drawing reactions from many including Boris Becker. “Lol,” the German legend commented in reply to the post.
Kyrgios, quite naturally, didn’t like that comment and brought up Becker’s past to shut him up. For those unversed, Becker, a Wimbledon singles champion at 17, served 8 months of 2 and half years of sentence in 2022 for concealing and transferring money during a bankruptcy process. He was also convicted of tax evasion in Germany in 2002. Referring to these court cases involving Becker, Kyrgios replied, “What’s up criminal.”
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Kyrgios’ criticism against Sinner is often said to have been motivated by his “bitterness.” When Sinner’s doping ordeal first came to the public eye, Kyrgios wrote on X, “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 🙄”
The Aussie was clearly not convinced of Sinner’s claim that the substance entered his body through his ex-physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi’s massage, who used a spray containing Clostebol to treat his cut. Not only did Kyrgios slam Sinner, but he also took a harsh dig at whoever supported the Italian, including former World No. 1 Andy Roddick, whom he accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs.
However, Kyrgios refuted the claims of his criticism being fueled by any bitterness. “Haha, I’m not bitter at all. It’s not about Sinner. I just called his match 🤣 thoroughly enjoyed it. It could have been anyone in that position – I just want fairness. But as for you, I’ll reply and help you get engagement as you are really struggling in that department 🤣🤣🤷🏽♂️🏃,” he said.
On the flip side, Kyrgios’ feud with Becker dates back to 2023. It started when he commented on Boris Becker’s era, expressing doubt about the old players’ skills compared to modern generation players.
When Nick Kyrgios and Boris Becker argued over the potential of Tennis’ past eras and its players
“The game was so slow back then, I’ve watched Boris Becker and I’m not saying they weren’t good in their time, but to say that they would be just as good now, it’s absurd,” Kyrgios said to The Athletic in 2023. His comment received criticism from Becker who said in Das Gelbe vom Ball podcast, “Everyone can think what he wants. You have to have respect for the past and simply say ‘thank you’ out loud that these old pros existed because without them the tennis circus would no longer exist.”
Becker also took a dig at Kyrgios’ record, emphasizing his inability to win a major title. “Nick makes a lot of noise about tennis lately!?! Why does he speak about a sport he hates …fact-check Nick has never won a major championship as a player or coach( yes doubles 1) so where is any credibility coming from? Trying to compare generations,” the German wrote on X in December 2023.
Kyrgios was never going to hold back. He reflected on his record of beating Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Murray to press his point further. “Also I mean I’ve beaten, Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray so I feel like I have a little credibility…. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that Novak would wipe the floor against you in your prime. Like it’s not an attack. It’s just facts,” Kyrgios wrote on X as well.
Be it his feud with Boris Becker or his criticism of Jannik Sinner, Kyrgios has shown time and again that he isn’t the one to bow down from his stance. But how long will he keep going after Sinner?
