Jannik Sinner’s fans aren’t having it: Controversy is mounting against Nick Kyrgios

A one-month suspension (already served) and a treatment program to complete: this is the punishment imposed by the ITIA on Nick Kyrgios after the Australian tested positive for cocaine. The champion, therefore, will be able to return to the courts in the coming days, but there is controversy on social media.

According to many, Jannik Sinner’s archrival deserved a longer suspension, and several users have pointed out the difference between Kyrgios’s suspension and that of the South Tyrolean player, who was forced to sit out three months in early 2025 due to the Clostebol case. “I don’t think it’s fair—three months for an unintentional violation and one month for something like this… based on what criteria?” asked Manuel on X, a sentiment echoed by Alessio: “This whole thing is absurd. Kyrgios deserved a much harsher punishment—what kind of message does this send to young people?”

In a statement released on Friday, the ITIA explained: “During an interview with ITIA investigators, the player explained that the cocaine use had occurred in a social setting, during a night out before the match in Mallorca.” The ITIA consulted an independent scientific expert from a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), who stated that the explanation was consistent with the level of cocaine found in the sample. Consequently, the ITIA accepted that Kyrgios’s use of cocaine occurred outside of competition.”

“Under WADA rules, the standard suspension for a violation of this type is three months, further reducible to one month if the individual commits to following a treatment program approved by the ITIA. Kyrgios has enrolled in a treatment program. Therefore, the player’s suspension will end on September 3, 2026, provided the program is completed,” the statement concludes.