Former doubles world No. 1 Nicolas Mahut has criticized Nick Kyrgios for his inflammatory remarks regarding Jannik Sinner’s recent doping saga, stating that such comments are “not necessary” and only serve to escalate tensions unnecessarily. Kyrgios has repeatedly attacked Sinner, claiming the world No. 1 should have faced a two-year suspension after testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol in March 2024. Despite the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) clearing Sinner of wrongdoing, Kyrgios has doubled down, questioning the decision and calling for harsher penalties.
In recent comments, Kyrgios went a step further, suggesting that he would intentionally incite chaos during a potential Australian Open match against Sinner.
“Let’s be honest… I really want to go out there and I really want to play Sinner. If I played him in the Australian Open, I’d get every person in the crowd to get on him. I would turn it into an absolute riot. All respect would go out the window, and I would just do anything to win,” he said, sparking widespread criticism.
Mahut, a five-time Grand Slam doubles champion, spoke out against Kyrgios’ remarks, emphasizing that such behavior only “poisons” an already delicate situation.
“I don’t like these statements,” Mahut told Eurosport. “He is entitled to give his opinion on Sinner’s positive test; everyone is free to think what they want. But to poison the situation like that… Sinner has never disrespected anyone, and he is the No. 1 in the world. So it’s not necessary.”
The Frenchman also highlighted how Kyrgios’ comments could create a volatile pre-match atmosphere, particularly in Australia, where Kyrgios has a history of stirring up controversy.
“In any case, when Kyrgios plays in Australia, the crowd has always been a little on the edge for years,” Mahut added.
“We saw it in particular in doubles with [Thanasi] Kokkinakis where the crowd had gone to the other side of the barrier. If he were to play Kyrgios, I think it is more the pre-match climate that would be difficult to manage than the match itself for Sinner.”
While Mahut acknowledged Kyrgios’ right to express his views, he called for more respect and less antagonism, noting that Sinner has conducted himself professionally despite the allegations. The doping case against Sinner, cleared by the ITIA, is still under appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which could revisit the decision. However, for Mahut, Kyrgios’ persistent attacks only add unnecessary drama to an already contentious issue.
Jannik Sinner in 2024
WWWWWWWWWW Ranked world no.1, Sinner played his last match on the 24th of November when he defeated world no.40 Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(2) 6-2 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Presently, during this year Jannik achieved a 73-6 match record. The Italian clinched 8 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami, Halle, Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Shanghai and the Nitto ATP Finals. Jannik reached the final in Beijing.
Nick Kyrgios in 2024
Ranked world no.470, Kyrgios played his last match on the 13th of June 2023 when he was defeated by world no.407 Yibing Wu 7-5 6-3 in the 1st round in Stuttgart (draw).
Presently, during this year Kyrgios has managed to achieve a compiled 0-1 match record.
He is also scheduled to play in Brisbane (Brisbane International) on the 1st of January and () on the 13th of January.
Jannik Sinner and Nick Kyrgios fought against each other only once. Their actual head to head record is 1-0 for Sinner. When they played, Jannik Sinner won 7-6(3) 6-3 in the 4th round in Miami (Miami Open) in March 2022.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
Jannik Sinner and Nick Kyrgios |
| Embed from Getty Images |
