New Delhi, September 1: Stefanos Tsitsipas has claimed that Nick Kyrgios’ suspension from tennis over a positive cocaine test did not come as a surprise to him, saying he had been aware of the situation before it was publicly announced.
Kyrgios was suspended earlier this month after revealing that he had tested positive for cocaine in June while in Spain for a tennis event. Although he could potentially face a four-year ban, a significantly lighter punishment is expected.
Speaking after his first-round victory over 10th seed Arthur Fils at the US Open, Tsitsipas said he was surprised only by the timing of the announcement. “I am surprised it came so late, though,” Tsitsipas said, adding that he had known about the matter before it emerged on social media.
The Greek also suggested that he had previously heard about Kyrgios’ off-court behaviour from people within the tennis environment. Tsitsipas said he would not try to conceal what he knew and maintained that his comments were based on information he had personally heard while on tour.
The relationship between the two players has been far from cordial. Their rivalry was particularly evident during a fiery Wimbledon encounter in 2022, when Kyrgios advanced to his first Grand Slam final. Tsitsipas hit shots towards Kyrgios during the match and later labelled the Australian a “bully.”
Kyrgios has endured a prolonged battle with injuries since that Wimbledon run. Following his suspension, the Australian acknowledged feeling “helpless and alone” but accepted responsibility for his actions, saying his circumstances did not excuse what he did. Tsitsipas, meanwhile, advanced to the second round of the US Open after an upset win over Fils, but his post-match comments shifted attention to his former rival and Kyrgios’ ongoing disciplinary case.