Nick Kyrgios plans 'riot' against arch-nemesis Jannik Sinner ahead of potential Australian Open tie
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Nick Kyrgios has thrown down the gauntlet to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner ahead of the Australian Open, vowing to create chaos if they meet at Melbourne Park.
Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast, Kyrgios declared: "I would just get every single person in the crowd to get on him. I would just turn it into an absolute riot."
The outspoken Australian admitted to a mutual dislike with the Italian champion.
"We don't like each other, and I think it's healthy in sport," Kyrgios said, adding that contrasting personalities make tennis more compelling.
Nick Kyrgios has been outspoken over his disdain of Jannik Sinner
Reuters
"If I draw Sinner in the Australian Open third round, everyone will watch because it's contrasting personalities," he stated.
Kyrgios' provocative comments follow Sinner's controversial 2024 doping case, where the Italian tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol on two occasions in March.
The first positive test came during Indian Wells on March 10, with a second following eight days later.
Sinner successfully appealed the tests and was permitted to continue playing while evidence was reviewed.
An independent tribunal later ruled that the extremely small quantity found - less than a billionth of a gram - was the result of contamination.
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The World Anti-Doping Agency is currently appealing this decision, seeking a ban of up to two years.
Both players face challenging paths before any potential final showdown at Melbourne Park.
Kyrgios begins his campaign against rising British star Jacob Fearnley, who sits at 86th in the world after winning four ATP challenger titles in 2024.
Jannik Sinner has successfully appealed his doping ban
Reuters
Top seed Sinner starts his title defence against big-hitting Nicolas Jarry, who previously defeated him in 2019 and pushed him to three sets in Beijing last season.
Should both progress, Sinner's route could include potential clashes with Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals, followed by Daniil Medvedev in the semis.
Kyrgios' projected path includes possible matches against Alexander Zverev, Casper Ruud, and Novak Djokovic before any final meeting with Sinner.
However, Kyrgios' participation remains uncertain due to ongoing injury concerns.
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Nick Kyrgios plans to rev up the crowd if he faces Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open
Reuters
The 29-year-old has been dealing with a persisting wrist issue and recently sustained an abdominal strain.
These health concerns forced him to withdraw from a pre-event exhibition match against Novak Djokovic.
Despite these setbacks, the Australian is still expected to compete at Melbourne Park when the tournament begins on January 12.
The injury adds another layer of uncertainty to any potential clash with Sinner, as Kyrgios aims to make his mark on his home Grand Slam.
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