In the middle of an ongoing doping scandal, Nick Kyrgios is causing uproar in the tennis world once more by specifically targeting Italian talent Jannik Sinner. After winning the Cincinnati Masters, Sinner has been enjoying a high. However, as Kyrgios keeps stoking the doping rumors that have plagued the Italian star, Sinner finds himself in the spotlight.

While Jannik Sinner prepares for his quarterfinal match at the US Open against Daniil Medvedev, Kyrgios took to social media to fire off a new barb. Kyrgios tweeted in response to a post praising the withdrawal of elite players like Djokovic, Almaraz, and Zverev: “When it still shows up in the second test, hahahahahaha… I make myself laugh.” The remark is obviously a reference to Sinner’s previous doping incident during the Indian Wells tournament, in which he tested positive for minor amounts of the illegal anabolic steroid clostebol.Even after being exonerated by an impartial panel that said Sinner’s exposure to the material was unintentional, Kyrgios hasn’t given up on the matter. His current remarks come at an especially sensitive moment since, should the Italian advance farther in the tournament, he may shortly chat with Sinner for ESPN.

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In contrast to Kyrgios’ criticism, Sinner has mostly said little about the issue. Sinner decided against getting into a verbal altercation with his opponent after winning the US Open in the second round, saying, “I don’t want to respond on what he said.” Everyone can express themselves freely. It’s alright.

In the wake of the controversy, Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, has become increasingly outspoken in his defense of his player. Speaking on ESPN, Cahill bemoaned the toll the incident has had on his player while stressing that Sinner would never knowingly use a prohibited substance. “The truth came out, which is regrettable,” added Cahill, mentioning the emotional and physical toll Sinner has had.

As Sinner proceeds with his US Open campaign, the doping scandal casts a long shadow. It remains to be seen if he can overcome the criticism and play to his full potential, but the ongoing conflict between him and Kyrgios heightens the drama in an already intense competition.