Nick Kyrgios has been vocal in his criticism of Jannik Sinner following the latter’s positive test for Clostebol, a banned steroid. The Australian went so far as to call for a two-year ban on the the World No. 1.
Sinner, currently competing at the US Open, has chosen to avoid engaging directly with such criticism.
When asked about the possibility of being interviewed by Nick Kyrgios, who is part of the Slam’s courtside team, Sinner said he didn’t have a definitive answer but told the interviewer that things would be “different” than usual.
The Italian said that it was difficult to predict his reaction. He, however, maintained that his calm personality would help him move past the criticism.
“I don’t know,” Sinner said. “I don’t want to respond on what he said. Everyone is free to say everything. It’s ok. If that is the case, let’s see. It’s gonna be different for sure.”
“I don’t know what to say. Maybe I say something now and then the reaction will be something else. I’m always quite relaxed. I’m someone who forgets things quite fast. Everyone is free to say everything. It is what it is,” he added.
In the lead-up to the US Open, Sinner described the situation as less than ideal due to the controversy surrounding his doping test. During his pre-tournament press conference, the youngster said he had taken time to address the issue but maintained his innocence and adherence to all rules.
“Of course, it’s not ideal before a Grand Slam,” the 23-year-old had said. “But in my mind, I know that I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“I had to play already months with this in my head, but just remembering myself that I haven’t done really anything wrong. I always respect these rules, and I always will respect these rules of anti-doping,” he added.
Nick Kyrgios had called for a two-year ban on Jannik Sinner ahead of the US Open
Jannik Sinner at the US Open 2024 (Image via Getty)
Jannik Sinner at the US Open 2024 (Image via Getty)
Nick Kyrgios called for a two-year ban on Jannik Sinner, who claimed that the banned substance entered his body through contamination from a massage.
Dubbing the explanation “ridiculous” in a social media post, the Aussie had noted that Sinner tested positive for Clostebol twice and played tournaments with enhanced performance.
“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,” Kyrgios had written on X.
Sinner will take on Christopher O’Connell in his third-round encounter at the US Open. He has beaten Mackenzie McDonali and Alex Michelsen in his opening two matches.