The year 2024 saw two of the most controversial doping cases that shocked the tennis world. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, two of the top-ranked players of the game, were provisionally banned from the sport after being tested positive for doping. While Sinner tested positive for Clostebol, Iga tested positive for Trimetazidine (TMZ). However, amidst the debate with most from community supporting the players, Nick Kyrgios and former Russian pro Yevgeny Kafelnikov remained rocksteady in criticizing them. And when the Aussie’s comments eventually backfired, the ex-Russian pro was right by his side to defend him.

As per a post quoted by Novak Djokovic’s famous fan Pavvy G, a group of sportspeople have written to the ATP, asking them to take action against Nick Kyrgios for making and hateful comments about other players. The letter shows how tennis should stand for respect, loyalty, and positive role models, especially for young fans. It warns that hateful words can lead to dangerous actions and calls on the ATP to protect players from such behavior. They refer to the ATP’s Code of Conduct 8.03, which says actions harming the game’s reputation must not be allowed. The group wants the ATP to take responsibility and protect the values tennis represents. However, at the same time, many like Pavvy G think it’s against free speech.

One person to express his discontent is Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The former Russian pro called tennis fans “complete idiots” for criticizing Nick Kyrgios in light of the ongoing doping saga involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.

In the past, both Kyrgios and Kafelnikov have been vocal about their views on doping in tennis. A few weeks earlier, Kafelnikov took to social media to address the matter, demanding strict measures against doping violations. He wrote, “There should be a lifetime ban for anyone caught using banned substances! No excuses and zero tolerance, no matter who you are. The saddest part of all this is that young and emerging players (12-16 years old) look at their idols and think that maybe it is normal to use steroids in the future and get away with it. Current players are setting a bad example for the younger generations.”

Kyrgios supported Kafelnikov by resharing his post with, “Yes.” The Australian made it clear that he agreed with the Russian’s stance. Kafelnikov defended himself when people brought in outdated anti-doping measures for comparison. He stated, “I was tested 15-20 times a year (from 1996 to 2002) during competitions and even off-season. You clearly have no idea what you’re talking about.”

While the two might continue to support each other, they are receiving hatred worldwide. Iga Swiatek’s coach recently fired shots at them.

Iga Swiatek’s coach fires shots at Nick Kyrgios amidst the doping saga

Iga Swiatek’s new coach, Wim Fissette, has broken his silence on the ongoing doping saga. While addressing criticism aimed at Swiatek, Fissette indirectly targeted Nick Kyrgios and Yevgeny Kafelnikov for their remarks. He also questioned their understanding of the situation. Speaking to Przeglad Sportowy Onet on December 16, Fissette defended Swiatek, saying, “There will always be people who will be negative, but I think that anyone who has read all the documents that Iga has provided and shown to the whole world can see what happened. And he should understand that it was just bad luck.”

Fissette suggested that such incidents could happen to any player and criticized those making negative comments without fully understanding the details. He continued, “This can happen to any player. I think that for those people who are negative about the matter, we should ask some questions about the Iga report and thus check whether they would read it.”

For context, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has clarified that Swiatek did not intentionally consume the banned substance. The ITIA stated, “The player’s level of fault was considered to be at the lowest end of the range for ‘No Significant Fault or Negligence.’”

Fissette’s comments reflect his determination to stand by Swiatek while addressing the ongoing criticisms from Kyrgios and Kafelnikov.