Key Takeaways
-
Kyrgios criticized Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek in 2024 over doping cases
-
Less than two years later he tested positive for cocaine
-
Suspension followed his attempted comeback after wrist surgery
Irony of past criticism
Nick Kyrgios once condemned Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek when their names were linked to doping controversies, describing the handling of those cases as “disgusting” for tennis. The irony is now evident: less than two years later, Kyrgios himself has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine during competition.
Social media post
In December 2024, Kyrgios shared a message about his return to training following wrist reconstruction surgery. He expressed gratitude for consecutive training days and added a sarcastic remark, “without failing any drug tests,” he commented. The post was widely interpreted as a jab at fellow players under investigation, reinforcing his claim of a clean comeback.
Recovery narrative
The post included a video clip from a past US Open interview, where Kyrgios appeared optimistic. “I’m really happy and just working really hard,” he said. At that time, he emphasized discipline and resilience, presenting himself as a player determined to rebuild his career through effort rather than shortcuts.
Suspension reality
That narrative collapsed when the Australian tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, during the Mallorca Open in June 2026. The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the result in July and imposed a provisional suspension in August. Kyrgios apologized to fans, family, sponsors, and young admirers, admitting responsibility and acknowledging the damage caused by his actions.
Feels good getting these consecutive days training in the bank man…. Wrist re construction and back out here… blessed………………Without failing any drug tests 🙂↕️🙏🏽 be proud kygs doing it the right way 😩😂 pic.twitter.com/J8l21lnTdI
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 5, 2024
Jannik Sinner in 2026
Now ranked no.1, Jannik played his last match on the 12th of July when he defeated world no.3 Alexander Zverev 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 in the final in Wimbledon to win his 31st career title.
At the moment, during this season the Italian owns an overall 44-3 win-loss record. The Italian clinched 6 titles in 2026 in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon.
WTA Cincinnati - Iga Swiatek's projected path
Swiatek in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2026
At the moment ranked no.5, Swiatek has managed to achieve a composed 31-12 record in 2026. Swiatek is currently having a run in Cincinnati where she toppled the world no.95 Emiliana Arango 6-3 6-0 and the world no.32 Maria Sakkari 4-6 6-1 6-1.
Iga Swiatek will play the world no.66 Diane Parry in the 4th round on Wednesday at 11:00 am on Grandstand. Their actual head to head record is 1-0 for Swiatek.
Swiatek clinched 1 title in 2026 in Toronto.
The Pole won 27 titles in her career: 16 on hard courts, 10 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
