Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been one of the most vocal when speaking out on the doping controverses afflicting the tennis community this year, and former World No.1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov expressed his support for the outspoken Aussie.

It was revealed that World No.1 Jannik Sinner and reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek had violated anti-doping violations this year, with Sinner forfeiting points and prize money whereas Swiatek received a one-month suspension. The tennis community has been divided on how both superstars were treated, with several claiming both players received a lenient treatment as opposed to their less-popular counterparts.

Kyrgios expresses disappointment, Kafelnikov agrees

The former World No.13 has been one of the harshest critics of both Sinner and Swiatek ever since their violations were announced. Kyrgios believes the aforementioned players received preferential treatment due to their superstar status, and took to social media on Monday to convey his thoughts regarding the current state of affairs in the tennis world.

“Gee wiz our sport is in the mud at the moment,” wrote Kyrgios on Twitter.

Kafelnikov, who won two Grand Slam titles during his career, chimed in on Kyrgios’ statement. The Russian had recently hinted that Swiatek had set a bad example for budding female tennis players because of her doping ban, and was quick to agree with Kyrgios.

“Tell me about it ” replied the former World No.1.

Sinner and Swiatek are not the only high-profile players to be involved in doping scandals recently, as former World No.1 Simona Halep, doubles specialist Max Purcell and Australia’s Tara Moore have also been found guilty of doping violations.