Australia’s top-ranked singles player Nick Kyrgios has taken a swipe at rival Fernando Verdasco after the latter’s two-month doping ban, continuing the pair’s long-running feud.
Verdasco accepted a two-month ban following a positive test for ADHD medication methylphenidate, which he had in his system at a Challenger event in February.
The former world No.7 had not renewed a Therapeutic Use Exemption, while the International Tennis Integrity Agency said the Spaniard “did not intend to cheat”, but had nonetheless been issued with the ban under the game’s rules.
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Verdasco has since been granted a new TUE for the medication, but will now serve a suspension until January 8, 2023.
Kyrgios reposted the news on Twitter, along with the caption: “Can’t say I’m surprised with this one”.
The Australian took aim at Verdasco back in 2018 after a heated exchange between he and Kyrgios’ compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Verdasco accused someone in the stands behind him of talking and distracting him during the match, with that person unbeknownst to him being Kokkinakis’ father.
“He wasn’t disrespecting you, that’s my dad, so that’s affecting me,” Kokkinakis said as the pair argued courtside during Verdasco’s eventual win.
Verdasco rejected the claims, assuring the Aussie he wasn’t talking about his dad, but someone else in the crowd. When pushed on who that was, the Spaniard said it was “the guy on the left with the hat”.
“That’s my f***ing dad,” Kokkinakis replied.
Kyrgios got involved after the match, writing in a tweet he deleted afterwards: “I hope TK wins this match, Verdasco is the saltiest dude, must be frustrated at his past success against Aussies.”
It led to a spat on social media between Verdasco and Kyrgios.
In 2019, Kyrgios doubled down on Verdasco, labelling him “the most arrogant person ever” as part of a stunning podcast interview with tennis writer Ben Rothenberg.
Kyrgios and Verdasco have played each other twice on the professional circuit, with Kyrgios winning both encounters.
