"I mean the CEO and all of the important people in the ATP are all Italian" - Nick Kyrgios on the ATP's lenient treatment of Jannik Sinner after doping saga

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios resumed his protestations against how the ATP handled the doping saga involving former World No.1 Jannik Sinner, hinting at them showing more clemency to the Italian due to most of the governing body being made up of his compatriots.

Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, a prohibited substance, at last year's Indian Wells event. After a lengthy legal battle, the Italian was handed a three-month ban which he served after the 2025 Australian Open.

Not satisfied with the outcome, Kyrgios has been on a crusade, calling out the ATP for showing preferential treatment to their prized superstar. The former World No.13 has not been shy regarding his opinions, using every method possible to get his point across.

Conversely, Sinner has largely remained quiet about Kyrgios' accusations. However, this may not last for long, as the Aussie star recently made some daring claims on the matter.

In a recent appearance on the 'UNSCRIPTED' podcast with Joseph Mansour, the former Wimbledon runner-up expressed his dissatisfaction with how Sinner's case was handled. Kyrgios would go as far as suggesting the ATP is protecting the Italian due to the top management of the governing body being composed almost entirely of Italians.

"He’s the number one player in the world [when he tested positive] and there’s no doubt he’s an incredible player and he’s going to be carrying the sport for the next 10 to 15 years with Alcaraz," admitted Kyrgios. "So I mean obviously they’re protecting him to some degree. I mean the CEO and all of the important people in the ATP are all Italian. And like the whole story for me is bulls–t."

It was ruled by WADA that Sinner bore no significant blame for the results of the positive tests, hence his shortened sentence. The Italian would return to tennis at the Rome Open after his three-month suspension, where he would reach the final but lose to Carlos Alcaraz.