Tennis world erupts as former champ Bartoli slams Kyrgios over Sinner comments
Marion Bartoli has had enough of Nick Kyrgios’ attacks on world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The 2013 Wimbledon champion didn’t hold back in defending the Italian star, who’s currently caught in a controversial doping case.
The drama centers around two positive tests from March’s Indian Wells Open, where tiny traces of a banned substance called clostebol were found in Sinner’s system.
| Name | Age | Points | Stats 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| it Jannik Sinner | 23 | 15,405 | 33 - 3 |
Here’s the kicker: it wasn’t pills or injections. The substance came from his physio’s fingers during a massage – the therapist had used a spray containing the banned substance and didn’t wear gloves.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency bought this explanation completely. They cleared Sinner of any wrongdoing, though he did lose his Indian Wells prize money and points.
But the story isn’t over. The World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision, arguing Sinner should’ve known better about what his team was using.
The amount found was microscopic – we’re talking about a billionth of a gram. That’s so small it couldn’t possibly help anyone’s tennis game.
Tennis legend John McEnroe recently backed Sinner, calling the situation “bizarre” but believable. Italy’s Davis Cup captain went even further, saying a ban would be “one of the biggest disgraces in tennis history.”
Enter Nick Kyrgios.
The outspoken Australian has been relentlessly attacking Sinner, calling for a two-year ban and claiming the substance must have helped his performance. He’s even promised to turn the Australian Open crowd against Sinner if they meet.
That’s when Bartoli stepped in.
“I’m just fed up with Kyrgios’ provocative statements,” she told RMC Sports. “This is the same guy who said horrible things to Stan Wawrinka during a Masters match.”
She didn’t stop there. “On one side, we’ve got a world No. 1 with two Grand Slams who’s practically unbeatable. On the other, we’ve got Kyrgios, who hasn’t played since June 2023.”
Kyrgios is set to return at the Brisbane International starting December 30th, where he’ll team up with Novak Djokovic in doubles. But after Bartoli’s takedown, he might want to let his racket do the talking.
