"Had it on his own terms, don't think that's fair and equal": Nick Kyrgios stands by every word of Jannik Sinner doping criticism

Nick Kyrgios has said that he stands by every word he has said about the Jannik Sinner case. Albeit that none of it is personal.

Kyrgios is part of ESPN's US Open coverage as he searches to finally return to the court and he said that it is different cases for different players and that it is not fair and equal.

“I think I stand by every word. Everything I put on social media I have to stand up for. I’ve seen many of my friends go through doping things and being suspended. We’ve seen players like Halep and everyone and it seems like every time one of these things comes up, there’s always a different process for different player," said Kyrgios.

"It’s nothing against Sinner personally at all. I know how important he is. He’s one of the greatest tennis players we have right now.. and how important he’s gonna be for the next 15 years. I’m not denying any of that. Nothing against him personally. If you look at Jenson Brooksby.. players who’ve had their careers taken away for up to a year.. and someone like Sinner just kind of doing it his own kind of way. I think he had it on his own terms for most of the time. I don’t think that’s fair and equal for the rest of the tour.”

It has been a hot topic in the tennis world and Kyrgios alongside the likes of Denis Shapovalov have been fairly outspoken about it.

“Every physio that’s employed by a player, as well as every player.. we get sent a prohibited substance list every year. On page 5, it says ‘Prohibited at all times’. If there’s a clearing we need to get a definition of what ‘Prohibited at all times’ means.. I’m pretty sure that means no matter what amount or if it comes up or if it shows up… that means you tested positive. I guess there’s a grey area in what ‘Prohibited at all times’ means. Why is his team carrying a banned substance that we know is completely not necessary in the sport is another question itself. Guys like Alcaraz have been asked and kind of stayed neutral on it. But at the same time there’s a lot of things I think and details we have been told as well.”

“That’s what the fight is for. That’s why these players have come to social media with a bit of discomfort in a way. I got tested at my hotels two days ago. We do get tested consistently. This is a sport I’ve played my whole life. I just want a level playing field for everyone. This is why I was against coaches in the player box. Not every player has a coach. Not every player in qualifying can afford a coach. If the playing field isn’t the same for everyone, you kind of lose the integrity of the sport a little bit.”