"Nick Kyrgios is so irrelevant to Jannik Sinner" - Fans react to Italian's refusal to respond to Aussie's relentless attacks over doping row

Several fans have shared their views on Jannik Sinner's decision to remain silent in response to Nick Kyrgios' persistent criticism over the doping controversy. The Italian stressed his clear conscience, stating that his belief in doing no wrong helped him shut out the external noise.

Sinner tested positive for the banned substance clostebol twice during his BNP Paribas Open campaign in March last year, with the revelation coming to light five months later, in August. The World No. 1 successfully overturned his provisional suspension, claiming that the substance entered his system through treatment, and was allowed to compete.

Subsequently, the International Tennis Integrity Association (ITIA) concluded that Sinner bore "no fault or negligence" for the doping violation. However, this ruling was contested by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Nick Kyrgios, however, has frequently and openly criticized the favourable ruling in Sinner’s case. During his pre-tournament press conference ahead of the Australian Open, Sinner was asked whether he paid any heed to Kyrgios' ongoing criticism. The two-time Major champion stated that he was well aware of his case and remained largely unfazed by Kyrgios' remarks.

"I don't think I have to answer this, to be honest. How do I block it? It's not that you just put it in a part and you just say I don't think any more about this. In my mind I know exactly what happened, and that's how I block it, no? I haven't done anything wrong. That's why I'm still here. That's why I'm still playing. I don't want to respond on what Nick said or what other players says," he said.

Check out his comments shared by the Tennis Letter on X.

Most fans appeared to side with Sinner, with one labelling Kyrgios as "irrelevant" to the Italian. They wrote:

"NK is so irrelevant to him that it doesn't even reach his brain inbox to need to be compartmentalised and put away."

"What was said and written about Sinner, is disrespect to a fellow tennis player, at the highest level," another said.

"I will cheer him for being the better man," one commented.

Here are a few more reactions from the fans online:

"A level of maturity people like Kyrgios will never attain," a fan wrote.

A user expressed his opinions by using Sinner's quotes. They wrote:

“i don't think i have to answer this, to be honest” EXACTLYYY LEAVE HIM ALONEEE.

"Jannik Sinner is smart to leave this alone! Can't wait to see you play at the Australian Open," a fan chimed in.

The latest update on Sinner's WADA-contested hearing is that it will be held behind closed doors on April 16 and 17, as confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Friday, January 10. Kyrgios later voiced his disapproval, calling for greater transparency.

---

Jannik Sinner to face Nicolas Jarry in the first round of the 2025 Australian Open

Jannik Sinner at Australian Open - Image Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner had an exceptional 2024, securing eight tour-level titles, including the Australian Open, US Open, Nitto ATP Finals, and Masters 1000 events in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai. The Italian aims to build on that success in 2025, starting his campaign at the Australian Open on Monday, January 13, against Nicolas Jarry.

The two players are evenly matched at 1-1 in their head-to-head, with Sinner levelling the score by winning their most recent encounter in Beijing last year. The winner of this match will face either unseeded Taro Daniel or Australian wildcard Tristan Schoolkate.

The Italian will aim at his third Grand Slam title at the Melbourne Major.