Nick Kyrgios has fired back at social media critics following his Brisbane International exit, pointedly remarking that he has “still never failed no drug tests.”
The Australian tennis star made the comment after a social media user mocked his three-set defeat on Tuesday evening.
Kyrgios, 29, who has recently returned to the ATP Tour following a lengthy injury hiatus, responded to a post that ridiculed his loss to a younger opponent with a laughing emoji before making his sharp drug-testing reference.
The Australian suffered a tight 7-6 6-7 7-6 defeat to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in what proved to be a thrilling contest at the Brisbane International.
Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic suffered defeat in their doubles clash
Sky Sports
His 21-year-old French opponent dominated the service game, firing an impressive 36 aces during the match.
The loss marked a challenging return to singles competition for Kyrgios, who has made just one competitive singles start on the ATP Tour in the past 18 months following wrist surgery.
Kyrgios has been outspoken about doping in tennis this year, particularly criticising Jannik Sinner, who failed two doping tests for clostebol in March.
He also called out Iga Swiatek, who received a month-long ban for a positive test for a banned substance, whilst Max Purcell faced sanctions after admitting to breaching anti-doping rules.
Prior to the Brisbane International, Kyrgios had described these breaches as “disgusting for our sport.”
Kyrgios has cast serious doubt over his participation in the Australian Open, stating it would take “a miracle” for him to compete.
Nick Kyrgios could miss the Australian Open
Reuters
The former Wimbledon finalist revealed his wrist was “throbbing” after his matches in Brisbane, requiring on-court treatment during his contest with Perricard.
“I felt I’d been hit by a bus after the doubles,” Kyrgios said.
“I almost need a miracle and the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a grand slam for sure.”
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
😂 still haven’t failed no drug tests tho
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 31, 2024
Despite his struggles, he expressed gratitude for being part of the Australian summer again.
Kyrgios’s disappointing return to tennis continued in the doubles event, where he partnered with Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International.
The pair were eliminated after a close 6-2 3-6 10-8 defeat to Nikola Mektic and Michael Venus, missing out on a place in the next round by just two points in the final set tiebreak.
Despite the loss, the duo entertained spectators at the Queensland Tennis Centre, even dancing together during celebrations, with Kyrgios delighting fans by executing a tweener shot.
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