Paolo Bertolucci slammed Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios' take on the Jannik Sinner doping case and the former Italian tennis star also made it clear that he wasn't impressed at all with the comment that the 2022 Wimbledon finalist made about Anna Kalinskaya.
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Although the news of the world No. 1 testing positive twice for a banned steroid came out over three weeks ago, there is still a lot of talk about the case. And one of the harshest and loudest critics from Day 1 has been the Australian tennis player, who has blasted the reigning US Open champion numerous times since then.
But while Kyrgios used some strong words when addressing the Sinner doping case, the Swiss tennis icon took a more respectful approach and highlighted that he believed the 23-year-old didn't take knowingly or intentionally a prohibited substance. But the former 20-time Grand Slam champion also noted that he understood why some were frustrated that the top-ranked player wasn't at least suspended during the investigation process.
Bertolucci, a former six-time ATP champion and world No. 12, didn't like what the two had to say about the Italian tennis star.
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Kyrgios and Federer? None of the two I liked on Jannik. You have to shut up and let it go. You cant take this story anymore, the 73-year-old said on the La Telefonata podcast.
Bertolucci rips Kyrgios seemingly taking a shot at Sinner's girlfriend Kalinskaya
Several years ago, the Australian dated Kalinskaya - who has been together with Sinner since May. And after the former world No. 13 reacted to a post about the Russian tennis player by remarking "second serve," many thought that he was referring to his past relationship with the WTA star and taking a dig at the pair.
Addressing that, Bertolucci felt that Kyrgios was definitely making an "obscene joke" about the pair.
If this had happened in [Carlos] Alcaraz, what would we have said and written in Italy? This is the concept: we are Italian and we defend our athletes and players. Abroad they do the same, I dont think theres anything strange. However, it seems to me that I have also seen that from the hugs, from what [Taylor] Fritz, [Jack] Draper, [Daniil] Medvedev say, there is no problem. Nick? You cant stand behind what he says. He made that obscene joke about the second serve, and someone rightly replied then the first one failed. But you cant stoop to this level, come on," Bertolucci told Fanpage.
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What exactly Federer, Kyrgios said about the Sinner case?
Since the 43-year-old Swiss is one of the greatest and most iconic players ever, his opinion always bears extra weight. And when addressing the case that stunned the entire tennis community, he gave an answer that was respectful to all parties involved, from the player to the investigators, as well as to those who have doubts.
I understand the frustration of, Has he been treated the same as others? And I think this is where it comes down to. I think we all trust pretty much that Jannik didnt do anything, but the inconsistency potentially that he didnt have to sit out while they werent 100 percent sure what was going on, I think thats the question here that needs to be answered. But look, it is what it is, and we need to trust the process as well of anyone involved here," Federer said on Today.
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On the other side, Kyrgios instantly labeled the handling of the case as "ridiculous" and called for at least a two-year ban. In the days after the news dropped, the 29-year-old continued to give arguments on why he felt a sanction against the Italian was needed.
Later, he underlined that he had no regrets about anything that he said about the Sinner situation.
I think I stand by every word. Everything I put on social media I have to stand up for. Ive seen many of my friends go through doping things and being suspended. Weve seen players like Halep and everyone and it seems like every time one of these things comes up, theres always a different process for different players... Nothing against him personally. If you look at Jenson Brooksby... Players whove had their careers taken away for up to a year... And someone like Jannik just kind of doing it his own kind of way. I think he had it on his own terms for most of the time. I dont think thats fair and equal for the rest of the tour," the Australian said on ESPN during the US Open.
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Meanwhile, Sinner said that he wasn't interested in responding to Kyrgios when asked to do so.
