"A personal Vendetta?" Andy Roddick and Wertheim on Kyrgios’ attack on Sinner and the Kalinskaya connection

Wednesday, 08 January 2025 at 12:33

Andy Roddick and John Wertheim debated on their podcast about a new attack by Nick Kyrgios on Jannik Sinner after 16-year-old rising star Cruz Hewitt shared a photo on Instagram with the World No. 1, which received a reaction from the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up: “Love ya Cruz but this is wild,” he posted.

Former World No. 1 Roddick criticised “the hypocrisy with which [Kyrgios] picks and chooses when to levy judgment,” while Wertheim suggested it could be a “vendetta” from Kyrgios: “There is a woman involved here, who also happens to be a player,” the journalist said, referring to Anna Kalinskaya. Kalinskaya dated Kyrgios in 2020 and began a relationship with Sinner in mid-2024.

In the latest episode of Served with Roddick, the former World No. 1 weighed in on Kyrgios’ recent comments against Sinner. “I have decided to lay off because there is this weird thing where [Kyrgios] wants the likes. At this point, he is a tennis influencer. He lives for likes; he lives in the comments section."

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“But what I have an issue with is the hypocrisy with which he picks and chooses when to levy judgment on others while also wanting you to digest the context of his comments – the latest being towards Cruz Hewitt, who practiced with Jannik Sinner.

“Kyrgios has been the single most outspoken critic of Jannik Sinner on the heels of his failed doping test. So Cruz Hewitt is 16 years old, son of Lleyton, the toughest competitor I have ever played in my life, and gets to hit with the World No. 1 at the Australian Open. That is a big deal.

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“Imagine, as an almost 30-year-old man, going into the comments of a 16-year-old who gets to hit with the best player in the world. If you think [Sinner] is guilty or not guilty, it’s still a momentous occasion."

“That’s a big moment, and to simply post a picture and then have [Kyrgios] go into the comments and make it all about himself. ‘I thought we were bros,’” the 2003 US Open champion added. “The defence was that it was a joke. The lack of awareness in bringing trolls and the worst of tennis fandom into a 16-year-old’s comments is ridiculous. It’s ridiculous.”

Responding to Roddick, tennis journalist John Wertheim opined that Kyrgios’ issue with Sinner is personal and even cited Kyrgios’ past relationship with Anna Kalinskaya (Sinner’s current girlfriend) as a potential motive. “This is just a personal vendetta. There is a woman involved here, who also happens to be a player,” he mentioned about the WTA world No. 14 Kalinskaya.

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“Sinner has been relentlessly bullied for months and months and hasn’t responded. He’s also coached by a colleague of ours at ESPN (Darren Cahill). There’s so much going on here, but it doesn’t seem to have anything to do with bona fide concerns about doping,” Wertheim remarked.

The podcast discussion was widely shared on social media, prompting Kyrgios to respond via X to the criticisms from Roddick and Wertheim. “Hahaha of course - sweep sweep sweep, how is this now my fault? I couldn’t care less where Sinner lays his wood 😭😂 I’m in a happy relationship 🙏🏽 I just don’t like people who are cheating the system. Roddick - never ever thought you were a sheep, my guy lol,” the former World No. 13 posted.

Hahaha of course - sweep sweep sweep, how is this now my fault? I couldn’t care less where sinner lays his wood 😭😂 I’m in a happy relationship 🙏🏽 I just don’t like people who are cheating the system. Roddick - never ever thought you were a sheep my guy lol https://t.co/LhgX523tbS
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 7, 2025

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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