Nick Kyrgios Criticizes Tennis Doping Scandals as “Disgusting”

Nick Kyrgios has criticized the handling of high-profile doping cases involving Grand Slam champions Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek, calling the situation “disgusting” for tennis. Sinner the world number one in men’s tennis still faces the risk of suspension after he tested positive for an anabolic steroid twice in March. Meanwhile, Świątek, the 23-year-old Polish player who held the world number one ranking at the time, served a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned heart medication in August.

Kyrgios, who is preparing to return to competitive tennis after an 18-month injury absence, expressed his dissatisfaction with how officials have managed these cases. He said, “Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look.” He also criticized tennis governance, claiming officials have handled the situation poorly but not openly discussed it. Kyrgios will make his comeback at the Brisbane International and will also compete in the men’s doubles alongside Novak Djokovic.

In the cases of Sinner and Świątek, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared Sinner of wrongdoing, but the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the decision. Świątek accepted her suspension after she tested positive for trimetazidine, explaining that contamination from melatonin caused the positive result. Kyrgios’ comments come amid growing controversy with some accusing the ITIA of double standards, particularly after officials handled two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep’s case differently.

Despite this, the ITIA maintains that all cases received equal treatment. As Nick Kyrgios returns to the court, the sport continues to grapple with these doping scandals and the public’s perception of how officials have managed them.