Nick Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature, has once again ignited debate in the tennis world by addressing Max Purcell’s recent doping suspension. Purcell, the 26-year-old Australian, was provisionally banned after admitting to an intravenous vitamin infusion exceeding WADA’s 100ml limit. The suspension, effective since December 12, prevents Purcell from participating in tennis events, potentially sidelining him from the upcoming Australian Open.
Kyrgios, taking to X (formerly Twitter), lamented the state of tennis, writing, “Gee wiz our sport is in the mud at the moment.” The comment underscores his frustration as the sport faces repeated doping controversies. This incident isn’t Kyrgios and Purcell’s first public clash. After Kyrgios and his doubles partner, Thanasi Kokkinakis, defeated Purcell and Matt Ebden in the 2022 Australian Open Men’s Doubles final, Purcell criticized their “disrespectful” behavior. In response, Kyrgios lambasted Purcell on Instagram, mocking his game style and questioning his grasp of sports entertainment.
Purcell’s suspension adds to a turbulent year for tennis, with high-profile doping cases involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. Both players faced scrutiny for unintentional violations but were cleared of wrongdoing, sparking Kyrgios’s disapproval. He criticized Swiatek’s melatonin contamination defense and Sinner’s Clostebol incident, questioning the leniency shown in both cases.
Nick Kyrgios in 2024
Currently ranked 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).
Until now, during this year Kyrgios has achieved a compiled 0-1 win-loss record.
He is also scheduled to play in Brisbane (Brisbane International) on the 1st of January and () on the 13th of January.