Former Rival Says Nick Kyrgios's Drug Ban Was 'Pretty Much Expected'

Stefanos Tsitsipas said Nick Kyrgios's suspension for cocaine use came as no surprise, despite the former rivals' long history of confrontations on court.

“

I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it.

Kyrgios received a ban earlier this month after saying he had tested positive for cocaine in June while in Spain for a tennis event. He could be suspended for four years, although a shorter punishment is expected.

Tsitsipas spoke after beating 10th-seeded Arthur Fils in the first round of the US Open. The former world No. 3 said he had known about the case before its public announcement. "I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it," Tsitsipas said. "When I saw it on social media, I was, like, 'Here we go.' I kind of expected it, to be honest."

“

When I saw it on social media, I was, like, 'Here we go.' I kind of expected it, to be honest.

The two players have a tense history, including a fiery Wimbledon match in 2022. Kyrgios reached the only Grand Slam final of his career at that tournament. Tsitsipas hit several shots directly at him, intentionally sent a ball into the crowd and later called him a "bully".

“

helpless and alone

Kyrgios has struggled with injuries since then. When announcing his suspension, he said he had felt "helpless and alone", while adding that "none of that excuses what I did". Tsitsipas said he had heard accounts of behavior away from the court and was surprised the suspension had taken so long.

“

none of that excuses what I did