Greek tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas revealed he had prior knowledge of Nick Kyrgios's cocaine suspension, expressing surprise at the delay in its public announcement.
Greek tennis standout Stefanos Tsitsipas has candidly stated that Nick Kyrgios's recent suspension from tennis for cocaine use was "pretty much expected." The revelation came after Tsitsipas's first-round victory at the US Open.
Tsitsipas, known for his past on-court clashes with the Australian, further added to the surprise by admitting he was aware of Kyrgios's situation well before it was publicly announced. He expressed only surprise at the delayed timing of the official news.
Kyrgios tested positive for cocaine during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June. He later confirmed a provisional ban in an August Instagram post, acknowledging a "huge mistake," according to reporting by The Guardian - Tennis.
Tsitsipas Knew About Kyrgios's Suspension Early
During a post-match interview on Monday, after defeating No. 10 seed Arthur Fils at the US Open, Tsitsipas spoke openly about the news. "I mean, to be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it," he stated.
The world No. 7 continued, "So what can I tell you? I will just tell you the truth. I knew about all of this before any announcement was made, and when I saw it on social media, I was, like, ‘Here we go.’ I kind of expected it, to be honest." This candid revelation suggests a significant level of prior awareness within the tennis circuit regarding Kyrgios's off-court activities.
Past Tensions Between Tsitsipas and Kyrgios
The relationship between Tsitsipas and Kyrgios has been famously contentious. Their fiery third-round encounter at Wimbledon in 2022, where Kyrgios ultimately reached his only Grand Slam final, saw Tsitsipas intentionally hitting balls towards his opponent and into the crowd.
Following that match, Tsitsipas famously labeled Kyrgios a "bully." His recent comments suggest his expectations about Nick Kyrgios's cocaine ban stem from broader observations. "I knew that those were things that were happening away from the tennis courts," Tsitsipas revealed.
He emphasized, "I’m not going to try and cover up someone that I know the truth for. I’ll consider myself a nice person with everyone, but these were behaviors that I personally heard on the tour." Tsitsipas added, "I heard other people in that same environment saying those sort of things to me."
Nick Kyrgios Faces Provisional Ban After Cocaine Positive Test
Kyrgios's positive test for cocaine occurred in June while competing at an ATP 250 event in Mallorca. The Australian star later addressed the situation publicly in an Instagram post in August, admitting to a "huge mistake" and confirming his provisional suspension from professional tennis.
The potential consequences for the offense could lead to a four-year suspension, though many anticipate a less severe punishment. Kyrgios has faced a series of debilitating injuries since his Wimbledon final appearance in 2022, contributing to a difficult period away from the court.
In his candid Instagram message, Kyrgios spoke about feeling "helpless and alone." He offered context, stating, "I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I’ve been." Kyrgios further explained, "The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do." He concluded, "Coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined."
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Stefanos Tsitsipas say about Nick Kyrgios's cocaine ban?
Stefanos Tsitsipas stated that Nick Kyrgios's cocaine suspension was "pretty much expected" and expressed surprise that the public announcement came so late. He also revealed he knew about the situation before it became public.
When did Nick Kyrgios test positive for cocaine?
Nick Kyrgios tested positive for cocaine in June while participating in an ATP 250 tennis event held in Mallorca.
What is the potential penalty for Nick Kyrgios's offense?
Nick Kyrgios could face a suspension of up to four years from professional tennis, although a lighter punishment is widely anticipated for the offense.
What was Nick Kyrgios's reaction to his suspension?
In an Instagram post announcing his provisional ban, Nick Kyrgios admitted he "made a huge mistake" and described feeling "helpless and alone." He attributed his struggles partly to recent injuries and the difficulty of contemplating the end of his career.
What is the history between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios?
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nick Kyrgios have a history of on-court tension, most notably during a fiery third-round match at Wimbledon in 2022. Following that match, Tsitsipas called Kyrgios a "bully" after intentional ball-hitting incidents.