Stefanos Tsitsipas reacts to Nick Kyrgios's cocaine suspension

Following his first-round victory over Arthur Fils at the US Open, Stefanos Tsitsipas stated that the provisional suspension of Nick Kyrgios for cocaine use was ‘pretty much expected.’ Tsitsipas claimed he was aware of the situation involving the Australian player before the official announcement from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

Kyrgios was provisionally suspended after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, during the Mallorca Open in June. While Kyrgios has acknowledged the result as a ‘huge mistake’ and expressed feeling ‘helpless and alone,’ Tsitsipas noted that he had personally heard rumors regarding such behaviors on the professional tour.

Other players, including Karen Khachanov, have also criticized Kyrgios, noting his history of questioning the doping cases of other athletes. Kyrgios faces a potential ban of up to four years, though a lighter penalty is anticipated.