Kyrgios shuts down doubles idea with Sinner: "I only play with clean players"

Nick Kyrgios made a controversial remark when asked about the possibility of playing doubles with Jannik Sinner. During a Q&A session on the Australian's Instagram stories, a user inquired if he would consider partnering with the world No. 1, despite Kyrgios's harsh criticism of Sinner regarding his doping case.

Since it was revealed that Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, Kyrgios has been one of his most outspoken critics. The former World No. 13 has repeatedly stated that the Italian should have been suspended for the positive doping test, as he believes Sinner did not receive the same treatment as other players in similar cases, who have faced long suspensions despite proving their innocence, such as Simona Halep, Nicolas Jarry, or Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Last week, it was revealed that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), to which Kyrgios responded: “Why’s he (Sinner) still playing?” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

On multiple occasions, Kyrgios has reiterated his condemnation of the Italian: “Ridiculous,” the 2022 Wimbledon finalist wrote on his X account after the news broke. “Whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance… you should be gone for two years.”

Previously, much of Kyrgios's criticism was directed at the ITIA for not suspending Sinner. This time, however, he took aim directly at Sinner when asked about a potential doubles partnership: "I only play with CLEAN players,” posted Kyrgios on his stories, sparking reactions on social media.

Later, Kyrgios responded to his fans about his comeback. He is expected to return at the 2024 Australian Open, and when asked if he would play doubles with Novak Djokovic, the Australian said he hoped to pair up with his compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis, with whom he won the doubles title back in 2022: “Kokk will get first priority, but I’m down,” Kyrgios wrote.