3 Reasons Why Nick Kyrgios Is Obsessed With Jannik Sinner

4 Min Read

Nick Kyrgios’s fixation with Jannik Sinner has become the talk of the town within the tennis community and fans. His weird obsession with the ATP world number one is an offshoot of several factors-  moral critique, personal animosity, and attention-driven persona and largely doping. 

While Kyrgios frames himself as a crusader against perceived inequality in tennis, many see his behavior as performative. Sinner, on the other hand, remains largely silent and focused on his performance—entering a phase of dominance marked by behavior in total contrast to Kyrgios’s theatrics.

In this article, we break down the Aussies’ obsession with the Sinner. Here are five reasons why Kyrgios cannot stop talking about the four-time Grand Slam champion. 

Why Nick Kyrgios Is Obsessed With Jannik Sinner?

1. The Doping Scandal

Jannik Sinner accepted a three-month ban rewarded by WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) in early 2025 because he was tested positive in March 2024 twice for the banned anabolic agent clostebo. The tribunal later cleared him under a “no fault or negligence” ruling.  This set the ball rolling for Nick Kyrgios, who called the verdict  “ridiculous” and demanded a strict two-year ban, regardless of intent. 

Kyrgios has repeatedly used social media to mock Sinner, including refusing to play doubles with him, stating he “only plays with clean players” He dubbed Sinner “The Grinch” during a holiday quip and intensively pushed the narrative of injustice around the case.  

2. Reappointment of Coach

Most recently, Sinner reunited with coach Umberto Ferrara after parting ways due to the doping scandal. The Aussie did not take it lying down and posted that the tennis world had been “played,” further suggesting his belief that Sinner’s case was not handled fairly. The coach was linked to the clostebol incident.

3. Jilted Feelings

There is also a personal layer to this perceived “obsession”.  Sinner was rumoured to be dating Anna Kalinskaya, who previously dated Nick Kyrgios. Kyrgios has made cryptic and, at times, controversial remarks alluding to Kalinskaya in the context of Sinner, leading to speculation that personal feelings might be fueling some of his criticism. For instance, he posted “Second serve” in response to an old photo of himself and Kalinskaya, which was widely seen as a jab at their former relationship and Sinner’s current one.

3 Reasons Why Nick Kyrgios Is Obsessed With Jannik Sinner
Anna Kalinskaya (Image: Getty)

Also Read: Nick Kyrgios admits to assaulting an ex-girlfriend but escapes punishment

Timeline of Key Events

Period Highlights
Aug 2024 Kyrgios erupts over Sinner’s failed drug tests, advocating a two-year ban and calling the verdict “ridiculous” 
Late 2024 Fans grow frustrated with Kyrgios’s constant provocation, deeming it narcissistic and obsessive 
Dec 2024 Podcast statements: Kyrgios vows to incite crowd chaos in a match vs Sinner—”all respect would go out the window” 
Feb 2025 Official three-month ban announced; Kyrgios labels it a “sad day for tennis” and continues criticism 
Jul 2025 Controversy over Sinner rehiring Ferrara intensifies, with Kyrgios accusing the tennis world of being misled