Nick Kyrgios Reacts to Latest Doping Scandal as Goncalo Oliveira Faces Suspension

Nick Kyrgios Weighs In on Tennis Doping Scandals Amid Goncalo Oliveira Suspension

The tennis world is once again embroiled in a doping controversy after Goncalo Oliveira, a Venezuelan tennis player, was provisionally suspended for allegedly testing positive for methamphetamine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that the 29-year-old provided a sample containing the banned substance at an ATP Challenger event in Manzanillo, Mexico, in November 2024.

Oliveira, ranked No. 245 in men’s singles, reached the final of the tournament in Manzanillo before losing to Germany’s Mats Rosenkranz. The ITIA imposed a mandatory provisional suspension on January 17, 2025, and Oliveira has not appealed the decision.

ITIA Statement: "Methamphetamine is a non-Specified Substance, and Oliveira did not possess a valid Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for it."

As a result, Oliveira is now barred from participating in any event sanctioned by the ITIA, including tournaments on the ATP Tour, ITF, and WTA circuits.

Nick Kyrgios’ Reaction

Nick Kyrgios, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t hold back. The Australian star posted a screenshot of the news on his Instagram story, adding the Breaking Bad theme song and captioning it:

“Steroids are fine, but this is wild 😂😂😂 Tennis world gone mad.”

Kyrgios has been increasingly vocal on doping matters in tennis. He recently criticized the handling of Jannik Sinner’s case, as well as former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who served a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance.

Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek Doping Controversies

Jannik Sinner, a two-time Australian Open champion, allegedly tested positive for clostebol, a banned steroid, twice during Indian Wells in March 2024. Although the ITIA initially cleared him, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) later appealed the decision. His case will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in April 2025.

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek was handed a one-month suspension after testing positive for another banned substance. She accepted her punishment and served her ban quietly, but Kyrgios expressed frustration:

“Two world No. 1s both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look. Tennis' integrity right now is awful, and no one wants to talk about it.”

On Sinner’s case, Kyrgios added:

“If he didn’t do anything wrong, why did they take his prize money and points away? Obviously, WADA found something wrong. That’s why they’ve appealed it.”

Kyrgios’ Return to Indian Wells

Despite recent injuries, including an abdominal strain that hampered his performance at the 2025 Australian Open, Kyrgios will use his protected ranking of No. 21 to enter the Indian Wells main draw next month.

Final Thoughts

As doping controversies continue to cast a shadow over the sport, the tennis world must grapple with questions about integrity and transparency. Goncalo Oliveira’s suspension, coupled with ongoing appeals in high-profile cases, highlights the need for consistent and transparent anti-doping protocols.