Nick Kyrgios issues scathing message to Jannik Sinner in US Open commentary after doping scandal | Tennis

Nick Kyrgios has made his feelings clear after an independent tribunal ruled Jannik Sinner “committed no fault or negligence” for two anti-doping violations.

The world number one tested positive for the banned substance Clostebol twice earlier this year. He was allowed to continue playing after successfully appealing his provisional suspensions earlier this year, with experts accepting his contamination claim was plausible.

But Kyrgios has expressed his thoughts on social media. And he reiterated his comments during his US Open commentary for ESPN, sending Sinner a message about their future relationship.

The Australian admitted he would treat Sinner differently after avoiding a suspension for his positive test results. “I’m not going to be as hospitable to him as I was before when I’m in the dressing room,” he said in the commentary box on Monday.

Kyrgios also addressed his recent social media comments, in which he claimed Sinner should be “out for two years,” and explained that it was nothing personal. He continued: “I think I stand by every word I say. Everything I put out on social media, I have to stand by it. I’ve seen a lot of my friends get doping tests and get suspended.

“We’ve seen players like Halep and everybody and it seems like every time one of these things comes along, there’s always a different process for different players. I have nothing against Sinner personally. I know how important he is. He’s one of the greatest tennis players we have right now… and how important he’s going to be for the next 15 years. I’m not denying any of that. I have nothing against him personally.”

Chris Fowler, who led ESPN’s commentary, responded: “There’s a sense that the more money and status you have, the more good advisors you have…there’s a sense that there’s not a level playing field in terms of responding to an accusation.”

Kyrgios also stressed that he wants all players to be consistent. “That’s what fighting is for. That’s why these players came on social media with some unease. I was tested in my hotels two days ago. We are tested regularly. This is a sport I have played my whole life,” he added.

“I just want the playing field to be level for everybody. That’s why I’m against having coaches in the players’ box. Not every player has a coach. Not every player in qualifying can afford to have a coach. If the playing field isn’t level for everybody, you lose a bit of the integrity of the sport.”

FOLLOW MORE

We’ll bring you the latest updates, photos and videos on this breaking news story.

For the latest breaking news and updates, visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Twitter account of the Daily Express and Express.co.uk – delivering real news as it happens.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – bringing you your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment on and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.