Jannik Sinner has acknowledged that any potential interview with Nick Kyrgios at the US Open would be 'different' following the Australian's repeated criticism of the Italian's doping case. The world No.1 escaped a ban despite twice testing positive for a banned substance earlier this month.
Kyrgios, working as a courtside interviewer for ESPN at the tournament, called the judgement 'ridiculous' on social media and insisted he is 'fighting for a level playing field for everyone.' He added that he would not be 'warm and hospitable' towards Sinner.
Asked how he would feel being interviewed by Kyrgios, Sinner said: 'I don't want to respond to what he said. Everyone is free to say everything, so it's okay. If that is the case, let's see. It's going to be different, for sure.' The Italian added that he is 'quite relaxed' and 'forgets quite fast.'
Sinner reached the third round by beating American Alex Michelsen 6-4 6-0 6-2. Meanwhile, world No.1 Iga Swiatek needed only 65 minutes to beat Japanese qualifier Ena Shibahara 6-0 6-1.
Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini advanced when former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova retired after only three points. 'I think it is so sad,' said Paolini. 'It is bad to leave the court like that.' Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina withdrew before her second round match due to injury.
