“He has divided some of the players”: Australian legend slams Nick Kyrgios over comments on Jannik Siner and Iga Swiatek

Monday, 30 December 2024 at 21:00

Sinner and Kyrgios shake hands at the net in Miami after their match

Former Olympic gold medalist Mark Woodforde has sharply criticized Nick Kyrgios for his ongoing remarks about Jannik Sinner. The current World No. 13 has been particularly outspoken following Sinner’s positive doping test in August of this year.

It’s important to note that Sinner tested positive twice during Indian Wells in March 2024, although the case remained under wraps until August, just before the World No. 1 secured his second Grand Slam title at the US Open. Sinner avoided suspension after the investigation revealed there was no fault or negligence on his part.

Recently, a similar case involved five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, who tested positive after consuming contaminated melatonin. The case was kept confidential for a few months until the Polish player chose to disclose the situation at the end of the season. Swiatek served a one-month suspension, which began during the Asian Swing (while unaware of her suspension) and concluded after the WTA Finals.

Woodforde reacts to Kyrgios' controversial remarks

The doping cases have sparked divided opinions, though those who have commented on the matter have not been overly insistent. However, Kyrgios continues to voice his criticism on social media and, in a recent press conference, once again targeted Sinner and Swiatek after a journalist asked him about it. "I have to be outspoken about it because I don’t think there’s enough people speaking about it. I think people are trying to sweep it under the rug,” he stated.

“I just think it’s been handled horrifically in our sport. Two World No. 1s both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look,” the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up added. “The tennis integrity right now – and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it – it’s awful. It’s actually awful. And it’s not OK.”

Kyrgios at his debut in Brisbane International doubles, he played alongside Novak Djokovic.

Legendary Australian tennis player Mark Woodforde, a 17-time Grand Slam doubles champion, recently commented that he hopes Kyrgios will put an end to his critiques and let his racket do the talking: “I hope that he can get back and let his racket do the talking on court instead of coming up with these big comments,” said Woodforde, who is an ambassador for the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025.

“I think he has divided some of the players with the comments he has made about Sinner and it has put a big target on his back,” Woodforde added. “It’s pretty brave to make these statements, but we don’t know how he’s going to do, as he has been away from tennis for so long.”

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“We saw him at some exhibitions late this year, but that doesn’t give any insight into how he’s going to play in competitive matches,” said the 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medalist. “The pressure of playing at home in Brisbane, playing for ranking points, that’s different from exhibitions.”

“This is probably a soft launch in his comeback playing in Australia, but there will be a lot of expectations around him,” Woodforde remarked about Kyrgios’ return to his home Grand Slam. “He will need to deliver results quickly, and that won’t be easy because many players on tour will be eager to face him and knock him back a step or two.”

“Hopefully, he’ll be ready for the Australian Open, and there will be a lot of attention on Kyrgios, especially when Jannik Sinner shows up.”

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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