Nick Kyrgios, known for his outspoken opinions, was quick to criticise the acquittal of ATP number one Jannik Sinner, who tested positive in two doping tests during the Indian Wells tournament in April. For the Australian tennis player, Sinner should have been severely punished.
“It’s ridiculous, whether it was accidental or intentional. If you test positive twice for a banned substance (steroids), you should be suspended for two years. Your performance has improved. Massage cream… Yes, of course“, he commented sarcastically on Twitter.
Kyrgios also responded to an internet user who claimed that the tiny amount detected would not affect Sinner’s performance: “So why did he lose the Indian Wells money and points? Did he do something wrong or not? They said he failed both tests.”
For Kyrgios, the small amount of steroids detected can only be explained by a test carried out while the drug was leaving Sinner’s body. “The quantity doesn’t matter. He tested positive for two steroids and should be suspended”, he said.
Kyrgios is not alone in his opinion. Canada’s Denis Shapovalov and France’s Lucas Pouille also expressed their indignation, questioning the fairness of the anti-doping system.