Kyrgios has been outspoken since it emerged that Sinner was found to have “bore no fault or negligence” for two failed anti-doping tests earlier this year. The Italian argued that he was contaminated via his then-physio after testing positive for the prohibited substance clostebol.

He successfully appealed his provisional suspensions, allowing him to compete until an independent tribunal heard his case in August. Afterwards, the ITIA confirmed the no fault ruling and shared the news of the positive tests for the first time.

Sinner was not banned but lost his ranking points and prize money from Indian Wells, the tournament he played while testing positive. The World Anti-Doping Agency has since appealed, arguing that Sinner bears some fault as the physio was his employee.

In the wake of the news, Kyrgios called for the 23-year-old to be banned. He has since continued to reference Sinner’s case and recently claimed that he wanted to square off on the match court.

“Let’s be honest, I just want to go out there and I really want to play Sinner,” the former world No. 13 said on the Nothing Major podcast.

“If I played him in the Australian Open, I’d get every person in the crowd to get on him. I would turn into an absolute riot. All respect would go out the window and I would just do anything to win.”

Kyrgios’ latest comments struck a chord with Mahut, the former doubles world No. 1. Speaking to Eurosport, the Frenchman claimed that the seven-time title winner had taken things too far.

“I don’t like these kind of statements. He gave his opinion about Sinner’s positive tests and that’s his right. Only to let it escalate like this,” the five-time Major winner said.

“Sinner has never disrespected anyone and he is the No. 1 in the world. There is no need to let yourself go like this.”

The 42-year-old also believes that, if Sinner and Kyrgios do face off at Melbourne Park, it will be a routine victory for the reigning champion. He added: “I think all the things before the match are harder to handle for Sinner than the match itself.

“Kyrgios hasn’t been back that long, and of course, you can dream of the title at the Australian Open, but you have to be realistic. Even if the crowd gets excited, Sinner will win that with 6-3s.”

Kyrgios will make his comeback at the Brisbane International, where he is also set to enter the doubles draw with none other than Novak Djokovic. Afterwards, the Aussie will play at his home Grand Slam for the first time in three years.