"Imagine if this was Djokovic, you or Zverev”; "How despicable you are" - Fans divided as Nick Kyrgios targets Jannik Sinner over doping verdict

Jannik Sinner being cleared to play by the International Tennis Integrity Agency despite failing two drug tests has sent shockwaves throughout the tennis fraternity. The news came from out of nowhere; no one in the tennis world was aware that any such incident had taken place. Nick Kyrgios called the verdict 'ridiculous,' in response to which fans came up with mixed views.

Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, during the Indian Wells Masters this year. The substance was found in very small amounts in his urine sample. Though failing a drug test typically leads to a suspension, the ITIA found less than a billionth of a gram in the Italian's sample, which was considered incapable of being performance-enhancing.

The 23-year-old stated that the drug entered his body as a result of bare-handed body massages from his physio Giacomo Naldi, who accidentally exposed Sinner to Clostebol via a cut on his finger. The ATP Tour put out a statement on their social media where they said there was 'no fault' or 'negligence' on Sinner's part.

But Nick Kyrgios questioned the fairness of the verdict and claimed that Jannik Sinner should be banned for two years since his performance was "enhanced."

Fans were divided over the Aussie's views, with some of them agreeing with what Kyrgios said. One fan claimed that if it was Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios or Alexander Zverev instead of Jannik Sinner, the western media would've criticized them.

"Just imagine if this was Djokovic or you or even Zverev ??? The entire western media will not stop talking about it..Total hypocrites. Should’ve been made public earlier."

Here are some other reactions.

"Well said. Why did it take 5 months to announce this and why wasn't he provisionally suspended?" a fan questioned.

"Can only imagine how different this would have been if a more controversial player had tested positive…" a fan pondered.

"What are the odds of Darren Cahill being the coach of two players flagged?" a fan mentioned.

However, there was also a group of fans who lashed out at Kyrgios for calling the verdict 'ridiculous.' One fan said the Aussie was a waste of talent and that he always showed his "despicable" nature.

"Well done.. never lose a chance to confirm how despicable you are. What a waste of talent."

"Can you remind me where you got your medical degree from?" a fan asked.

"If he got suspended two years, he’d still play before you play again?" a fan said.

"One billionth of a gram. The same amount of your neurons, Kyrgios." a fan joked.

“I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping programme" - Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner (Image Source: Getty)

Jannik Sinner took to Instagram to put out a statement that mentioned all the details of the case. He said he was ready to put this challenging and unfortunate period of his life behind him. The World No. 1 also vowed to work with his team to comply with the ITIA's anti-doping compliance.

“I will now put this challenging and deeply unfortunate period behind me. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure I continue to comply with the ITIA’s anti-doping programme and I have a team around me that are meticulous in their own compliance,” Sinner said.

As a result of failing the tests, Jannik Sinner will lose the 400 ranking points and £250,000 he earned during his Indian Wells run.

After clinching the Cincinnati Masters, the 23-year-old will be seen in action at the 2024 US Open alongside Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and many others. His best performance so far at the New York Major is reaching the quarterfinals in 2022.