Banned for Meldonium Possession, Maria Sharapova Was Once Lambasted by Nick Kyrgios for ‘Cheating’ – ‘Doesnt Make Sense…’

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is known for speaking his mind out loudly. The 27-year-old did the same when there was a huge debate about Maria Sharapova‘s comeback. After serving her 15 months doping ban, Sharapova was making a return.

However, the world had split opinions regarding the Russians getting a wildcard entry in the French Open. Kyrgios was also not happy with the decision to grant her a wildcard entry. Here’s what the Aussie said back then.

Kyrgios on Maria Sharapova’s comeback

Maria Sharapova had to serve fifteen months of ban after testing positive for a substance called Meldonium. It happened in 2017. The former world number one was ready to make a comeback and was on track to get a wildcard entry to the second Grand Slam of the year. However, Nick Kyrgios had a clear stance against allowing one’s, like Sharapova, a direct entry to the tournament. Here’s what he said in an interview with ESPN.

“I’m anti-anything that’s performance-enhancing, massively against it. I’m not the one to say what [violators] should — or shouldn’t — get afterwards, but it doesn’t make sense to support people who cheat”

Earlier, while Sharapova accepted her ban, the Russian never accepted that she took the drug for performance enhancement. Instead, the former world number one claimed that it was a part of her treatment.

Read more: After a Surprisingly Successful Season, Nick Kyrgios Boasts in His Own Style About ‘Being the Best in the World’

While Kyrgios is strictly against cheaters playing tennis, the 27-year-old himself has broken many rules in his career. The Aussie once again created headlines after his argument with the umpire.

Nick Kyrgios calls out the line judge and umpire

After a successful 2022 season, the 27-year-old is getting ready for the home season. The Aussie is currently participating in an exhibition event in Dubai. While exhibition matches are for fun as no ATP points are on offer, Kyrgios found a way to show his temper again.

Watch this story: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis

The 27-year-old snapped at the line judge, who almost collided with him. Further, the Aussie was not kind to an error in judgment from the chair umpire. While Kyrgios will escape a sanction for his behavior, as it was just an exhibition match, was it fair from the Aussie? Disagreements are understandable, but the way he behaved with the match officials is it justified? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.