Sinner fans write letter to ATP: "We are outraged by the malicious comments made by Kyrgios"
Nick Kyrgios will make his official return to competition at the Brisbane tournament, which kicks off on December 30.
But the Australian has been more conspicuous for his repeated attacks on Jannik Sinner since the revelation of the Italian's positive clostebol test.
His latest outing? This week, on the Nothing Major podcast, where he mentioned that he would lose "all respect" if he came face-to-face with the world number 1 at the Australian Open.
These provocative statements aroused the anger of several Italian fans, who decided to write an open letter to the ATP to sanction Kyrgios:
"We ask the ATP to take a formal position on the attacks, defamation and hate speech made by Mr. Kyrgios against some of his colleagues.
The role of sport, and of those who represent it, is to uphold the values of respect and loyalty.
We are outraged and concerned by the malicious comments made by Nick Kyrgios.
It is impossible that there is no code of conduct to protect players from such harassment, as article 8.03 of your rules clearly states.
From now on and whatever your future actions, this will shape the identity of your institution.
Remember this and act responsibly in protecting the sport and the principles of decency you are supposed to represent."
The letter mentions article 8.03 - A of the ATP rules, which deals with major infractions related to player conduct:
"Conduct contrary to the integrity of the game, includes, but is not limited to, comments made to the media that unreasonably attack or disparage any person or group, sponsor, tournament, player or ATP member."
