The Heated Feud Between Nick Kyrgios and Jannik Sinner: What’s Really Going On?

Nick Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature, has once again found himself at the center of controversy. This time, the former Wimbledon finalist has been accused of making “poor and unfortunate comments” by former world No. 1 and reigning Olympic champion Sara Errani.

Kyrgios, a former top-15 ATP player, is set to return to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International next week. The 29-year-old Australian has struggled with persistent injuries, limiting him to just one professional event over the past two seasons. While his comeback is eagerly anticipated by fans, Kyrgios has drawn attention for his off-court remarks, especially his harsh criticism of Jannik Sinner, the current ATP world No. 1.

The controversy stems from Sinner’s ongoing doping case, in which the Italian player tested positive for a banned substance earlier this year. Although initially cleared of wrongdoing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Sinner is awaiting the results of a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appeal, which seeks a stricter penalty. Kyrgios has been vocal in demanding tougher sanctions against Sinner, calling for a more severe suspension since the incident became public in August.

Kyrgios’ controversial remarks have also extended to WTA star Iga Swiatek, with his statements drawing mixed reactions from the tennis community. Speaking on the Supernova podcast, Errani expressed disappointment over Kyrgios’ recent behavior. “I don’t know him personally, but he has a very strong personality,” Errani said. “Watching him play is always entertaining—it’s like a show. Despite my personality suggesting otherwise, I’ve always liked him.”

However, Errani admitted her opinion of Kyrgios has shifted recently. “Lately, he’s made some poor and unfortunate comments. In those instances, I didn’t like him as much. And it’s not just about what he said regarding Jannik Sinner. He’s made several bold statements recently,” she noted. Errani added that Kyrgios’ reduced presence on the court might contribute to his perceived selfishness. “When you’re not playing as often, it can come across as self-centered, which I don’t particularly like,” she explained.

Turning to Sinner’s doping case, Errani highlighted the complexity of such situations and emphasized the need for faster resolutions. “We’ve discussed it, and it’s not easy. Each case is unique and cannot be generalized,” she said. Errani also criticized the timeline for handling such cases. “Some athletes wait months for a resolution, while others have their issues sorted in a matter of days. This timing needs improvement,” the 37-year-old added.

Errani, who recently completed her Career Golden Slam with a doubles victory alongside Jasmine Paolini at the Paris 2024 Olympics, also reflected on a standout year for Italian tennis. Sinner’s rise to world No. 1, coupled with his triumphs at the Australian Open and US Open, has been pivotal.