Nick Kyrgios has launched a fiery criticism of Tennis authorities, accusing them of mishandling doping cases involving world number ones Jannik Sinner et Iga Swiatekcalling it “a disgusting look at our sport.” »
Kyrgios, known for his frank and unfiltered opinions, minced no words in questioning the credibility of the processes and the leniency granted in these high-profile incidents.
The Case of Sinner Under Fire
Jannik Sinner escaped suspension despite testing positive for a banned substance last March. L'International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) ruled that Sinner was not at fault, concluding that the substance entered his system through a massage administered by a member of his team.
Kyrgios expressed skepticism about Sinner's explanation, calling it “improbable.”
“He failed to two separate tests at different times,” Kyrgios emphasized. “If you believe the massage story, then why did they take away his prize money and points at Indian Wells? Clearly something was wrong.”
The ITIA's decision not to suspend Sinner has already attracted criticism, and WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) reportedly filed an appeal seeking stricter repercussions.
Swiatek's Trimétazidine Controverse
Kyrgios also criticized the handling of Iga Swiatek's doping case. The five-time Grand Slam champion tested positive for trimetazidinea drug banned because of its doping potential. The ITIA concluded that the contamination was accidental and imposed only one month suspensiona punishment that Kyrgios deemed insufficient.
“Two world number ones tested positive for banned substances in one year? It's a bad image for tennis,” Kyrgios said. “How can young kids or fans trust sports when it’s happening at the highest level?”
Kyrgios' Broader Criticism of Tennis Integrity
The Australian broadened his criticism further, attacking the state of doping monitoring in tennis:
“The integrity of tennis right now is horrible, and everyone knows it but no one wants to talk about it,” he said. “Cheating with performance-enhancing drugs is much worse than throwing a racket or losing your cool. This is a crisis for sport.”
Kyrgios' comments align with growing concerns among players and fans over the transparency of doping investigations and perceived inconsistencies in sanctions.
ITIA response: “Every Case Is Unique”
In defense of her decisions, the CEO of ITIA Karen Moorhouse addressed the backlash, explaining the nuanced nature of doping cases.
“It’s the same rules and processes for every player. However, all cases depend on individual facts, and it is not accurate to compare securities without understanding the details,” Moorhouse told Tennis365.
Moorhouse also pointed out that the nine-month suspension of Simona Halepresulting from a contaminated substance, followed the same protocol applied in the cases of Sinner and Swiatek.
Wider Implications for Tennis
Kyrgios' accusations come at a critical time, with the sport already under fire over how it balances player accountability with protecting fairness. The contrasting results of these cases highlight an urgent need for more transparency and consistency in anti-doping measures.
With WADA appeal pending in the Sinner affair and an ongoing widespread debate, tennis authorities may soon face the challenge of restoring confidence in the integrity of the sport.
What are the next steps?
The fallout from these cases, combined with Kyrgios' outspoken remarks, could accelerate anti-doping policy reforms. It remains to be seen whether sport can rebuild trust and enforce higher standards. In the meantime, Kyrgios has once again proven that he is a voice ready to challenge the establishment—no matter the cost.
