Nick Kyrgios Refuses to Let Up on Jannik Sinner, Continues to Take Jabs
It seems Nick Kyrgios isn’t letting Jannik Sinner off the hook anytime soon. Fans are starting to wonder if the Aussie has developed an obsession, as he continues to take shot after shot at the Italian star. Ever since Sinner’s positive test was revealed in March, Kyrgios has been vocal about what he sees as “unfair treatment”—and he shows no signs of stopping. Now that Sinner has accepted WADA’s three-month ban, Kyrgios appears to have doubled down. Just when it seems he’s done, he finds another reason to stir the pot.
So, what’s got him riled up this time?
Kyrgios Reacts to Sinner Losing His Laureus Award Nomination
According to a tweet from The Tennis Letter, Sinner has been disqualified from the Laureus Awards, losing his nomination for Sportsman of the Year. Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Sean Fitzpatrick released a statement confirming the decision:
“Following discussions by the Laureus Academy, it has been decided that Jannik Sinner’s nomination for this year’s Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award is to be withdrawn. We have followed this case, the decisions of the relevant global bodies and—whilst we note the extenuating circumstances involved—feel that the three-month ban renders the nomination ineligible. Jannik and his team have been informed.”
This is yet another setback for Sinner, who is already dealing with the stain of a suspension on his record. But for Kyrgios, it’s just another excuse to fire off another comment. Under the post, he wrote:
“Well, I mean, sportsmanship does mean playing by the rules 🤷🏽♂️.”
The remark wasn’t exactly surprising, considering his previous reaction to Sinner’s suspension. On February 15, he took to X, calling it a “Sad day for tennis.” He also sided with veteran Stan Wawrinka, who voiced his disbelief in “clean sport anymore”—a sentiment Kyrgios eagerly agreed with.
The Controversy Behind Sinner’s Suspension
Fresh off his Australian Open triumph, Sinner was handed a three-month suspension after testing positive for Clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid. Originally facing a possible 1-2 year ban, Sinner negotiated a settlement with WADA, which accepted his explanation that the substance entered his system accidentally—through a spray applied by his ex-physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi. His ban runs from February 9 to May 4, allowing him to return just in time for the French Open.
This decision has sparked widespread debate, with many believing the light punishment and its convenient timing leave a “sour taste.” Sinner, known for prioritizing Grand Slams, won’t miss a major event due to the suspension—something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by critics like Kyrgios.
Kyrgios Uses Alexandre Muller’s Frustration to Take Another Dig
Meanwhile, French player Alexandre Muller found himself in an unenviable situation at the Rio Open. After battling past Tomas Martin Etcheverry in a grueling late-night match on February 21, Muller faced an unwelcome inconvenience—an immediate doping test, despite finishing near midnight. Frustrated, he took to Twitter to vent:
“Doping test when we finish at midnight… come on… @atptour.”
His post resonated with fans, who sympathized with his exhaustion after such a tough match.
Of course, Kyrgios saw this as yet another opportunity to take a shot at Sinner. Responding to Muller’s complaint, he quipped:
“Just say you ‘don’t know’ and that it was completely your team’s fault if there are steroids in there 😂.”
This was a not-so-subtle reference to Sinner’s defense when he tested positive last year, claiming that the banned substance had entered his system through his physiotherapist’s treatment. The ITIA ultimately ruled that Sinner bore “no fault or negligence.”
Will Kyrgios Ever Move On?
The rivalry between Kyrgios and Sinner now seems to extend far beyond the tennis court. Even while Sinner serves his suspension, Kyrgios continues to keep the drama alive. As he gears up for his return at Indian Wells on March 5, fans can’t help but wonder—how long will he keep firing shots at the Italian?
What do you think? Will this feud ever cool down? Let us know your thoughts!