Nick Kyrgios has taken aim at Toni Nadal for his staunch defense of Jannik Sinner, who recently failed two doping tests. Sinner, the world No. 1, tested positive for low levels of clostebol, a banned steroid, during the Indian Wells Masters in March. However, he avoided a ban after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted his explanation that the substance was accidentally transferred from a team member using a spray.
Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach, has vehemently supported Sinner, claiming he would never intentionally use banned substances. He emphasized that Sinner had already faced consequences, including losing ATP points and prize money, and criticized those questioning Sinner’s integrity.
In a column, Nadal expressed disbelief at how some people, including other players, were quick to judge without knowing all the facts. He wrote, “It is absolutely clear to me that the Italian player does not want to commit any infraction, and even more so, not to seek any advantage through the use of prohibited substances.”
“I know the player well enough to be able to say without a shadow of a doubt that he is one of the most correct and well-mannered guys on the circuit. For me it is unthinkable that he could act in an unfair manner. There was a problem within his team that he paid for quite dearly with the financial penalty and the loss of ATP points.”
Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature, was unimpressed by Nadal’s defense of Sinner. He argued that if he were in Sinner’s position, Nadal wouldn’t have defended him so vigorously.
“If this was me do you think Toni Nadal would come out and defend me? Players know that I ain’t about cheating. Ridiculous,” he wrote. “I’m just wondering as to why they waited five months to fire the physio? If they knew about it so early on.”
Kyrgios’ comments have sparked a debate about the fairness of Sinner’s punishment and the role of coaches in protecting their players. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of anti-doping measures in tennis.
