WATCH: Nick Kyrgios' outburst in loss to Jannik Sinner at Miami Open 2022 goes viral as Aussie gets ridiculed for "locker room" remark about Italian
Nick Kyrgios' argument with the chair umpire during his 2022 Miami Open loss to Jannik Sinner resurfaced following his recent comments on the Italian. While commentating for ESPN during the US Open, Kyrgios stated that he would no longer treat Sinner the same way if they ever crossed paths again.
Sinner tested positive for Clostebol during his campaign at the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells in March. He was provisionally suspended but successfully overturned the decision, explaining that the substance entered his system during his treatment, by the physiotherapist.
Moreover, the authorities deemed the substance not performance-enhancing, clearing the Italian of wrongdoing. While Sinner was allowed to continue playing on tour, he was stripped of the prize money and ranking points from his performance at Indian Wells.
However, the decision didn’t sit well with Kyrgios, who called out ITIA's verdict and has since frequently opposed the decision. While commentating for ESPN recently, Kyrgios again expressed his frustration saying that he won't be as hospitable to Sinner in the locker room, as he was before.
"I’m not going to be as hospitable to him as I was before when I’m in the locker room," Kyrgios said during the commentary.
Reacting to Kyrgios' statement, a fan shared a clip of the Australian's heated argument with the chair umpire during his fourth-round match at the Miami Open two years ago. Kyrgios eventually lost to Sinner in that match.
During the match, Kyrgios ranted at chair umpire Carlos Bernardes for failing to control the crowd. Tensions escalated when Bernardes penalized Kyrgios for unsportsmanlike conduct, leaving the Aussie furious. The former Wimbledon finalist also smashed his racket in frustration after the argument, leading to game penalty. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner sat on his side of the court, unbothered.
Taking a jibe at Kyrgios, the fan highlighted how the scenes from the locker room would be if the 29-year-old met Sinner there.
Several other fans criticized Kyrgios' recent statement:
"World No1 and AO champion Jannik Sinner when a random commentator says 'he won't be hospitable to him," one fan wrote.
"Finding out that Nick Kyrgios is no longer gonna' say hi to him in the locker room is gonna' be a major mood boost for Jannik Sinner heading into this week," another fan said.
Consequently, Kyrgios was fined $35,000 for his behavior at the 2022 Miami Open.
Nick Kyrgios asked for a two-year suspension for Jannik Sinner after failed anti-doping tests
Nick Kyrgios was among the few tennis players who criticized the decision in favor of Jannik Sinner. He called on authorities to impose a two-year ban on the Italian and accused the Italian of enhancing his performance during his run at Indian Wells. His remark was, however, flagged for misinformation.
Ridiculous - whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance… you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream…. Yeah nice," Nick Kyrgios wrote on X.
Nonetheless, after getting past the controversy, Jannik Sinner remains focused on winning his second Major title at the 2024 US Open. The 23-year-old had an impressive lead-up to the US Open, reaching the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open and winning the Cincinnati Open.
Sinner will start his US Open campaign against Mackenzie McDonald on Tuesday, August 27.