Stefanos Tsitsipas has said he was not surprised by Nick Kyrgios’ positive cocaine test, claiming he had previously heard about similar behaviour from people within the tennis environment.
Speaking after his first-round victory over France’s Arthur Fils at the US Open, Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios’ provisional suspension after the Australian admitted last month that he had made a “huge mistake” following the failed test.
“I kind of expected it, to be honest,” Tsitsipas said.
The Greek, who briefly played doubles with Kyrgios in the past, said he had heard comments about the Australian’s behaviour from others on the tour.
“I’m not going to try and cover up someone that I know the truth for,” Tsitsipas said.
“I’ll consider myself a nice person with everyone, but these were behaviours that I personally heard on the tour and heard other people in that same environment saying those sort of things to me.”
Tsitsipas added that he was more surprised that the positive test had come at this stage.
“I am surprised it came so late, though,” he said.
Kyrgios, 31, has played very little singles tennis in recent years due to a series of injuries. He reached a career-high ranking of 13 in 2016 and has won seven ATP singles titles.
His best Grand Slam run came at Wimbledon in 2022, when he reached the final before losing to Novak Djokovic.
Kyrgios later admitted that injuries had taken a major physical and mental toll and said he would never be the player he once was.
