Tennis fans were met with a shocking revelation this year. Doping allegations engulfed Jannik Sinner‘s dream year and invited critics to blow hard on the Italian. Players like Nick Kyrgios didn’t back off either and constantly lamented the fact that the Italian was let off without appropriate punishment. However, after Sinner triumphantly concluded the season, the Italian tennis federation’s president reserved a critical word or two for Kyrgios.
Just before the US Open, it was announced that Sinner’s samples tested positive for a banned anabolic during his Indian Wells earlier this year. Regardless, the Italian star evaded suspension scares after ITIA cleared him of all wrongdoing, citing ‘no guilt or negligence’ on his part, and concluded that the substance indeed entered his system due to contamination stemming from his then-physio’s massage. However, that never stopped Kyrgios from criticizing the World No. 1.
The Aussie has since spoken about the Italian’s doping saga, lamenting Sinner’s journey on the tour without facing the music for his positive dope test. During an appearance on the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, Kyrgios expressed his desire to face the 23-year-old at the Australian Open. The ‘Superbrat’ added that he would turn their contest into an ‘absolute riot’ if they clash: “I would just turn it into an absolute riot. Like I would lose all respect, all respect would go out the window and I would just do anything to win.” His comments, however, were not kindly received by Sinner’s countryman.
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The FITP’s president Angelo Binaghi made an appearance at the Collari d’Oro ceremony in Rome. The Italian took a swipe at Kyrgios saying, “I told Jannik that it’s also useful to have idiots who attack you in life like he does. These are further honors, I would be worried if someone like Kyrgios said we’re doing well. If they met in Australia, I’d be there and I’d have a laugh.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jannik Sinner (@janniksin)
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Despite successfully capping the season with a maiden ATP Finals title, Sinner was reasonably upset after enduring a doping nightmare throughout the second half of the season.
Jannik Sinner expresses not ‘feeling great’ following ATP Finals victory over Taylor Fritz
Italian superstar Jannik Sinner enjoyed a lopsided season this year. Regardless of his doping nightmare, the 23-year-old clinched eight tour-level titles amid adding two Majors at Melbourne and New York to his resume. However, the much-debated issue surrounding his positive dope test did little to no favors for him. He had to endure sleepless nights during the process, worrying about what was next.
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During a post-match presser in Turin, the Italian said: “I’ve kept on thinking about where we went wrong and what we could have done better. I had days where I wasn’t feeling great; and nights when I didn’t sleep well. I’m fortunate to have people around me who keep me stable. Thanks to them, we’ve continued to work hard every day like there’s no tomorrow and we’ve even improved in this period.”
With the upcoming season approaching, fans are waiting for Sinner to launch his title defense at the Melbourne Slam. And now, following Kyrgios’s comments, it’ll be more exciting if the duo ends up clashing at the hardcourt mega event and promises a thriller for the home crowd.