‘Never kick someone when they’re down’: Halep’s jab at Kyrgios after suspension

In response to Nick Kyrgios' suspension from tennis following a positive cocaine test, Romania's Simona Halep took to Instagram to address the Australian star. Halep, who herself served a four-year ban for testing positive for the banned drug Roxadustat at the 2022 US Open, seemed to mock Kyrgios with her comment, "Never kick someone when they're down."

Kyrgios, known for his aggressive playing style and reliance on substances like coke and bananas during intense matches, had previously dismissed the severity of his actions. In contrast, Halep emphasized the importance of personal accountability and reflection, urging Kyrgios to consider the choices he made and their consequences.

Despite her suspension being reduced to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Halep had still missed a significant portion of the season. Kyrgios later apologized to his fans, family, sponsors, and supporters, acknowledging the impact his actions had on young people. The tennis star admitted to struggling with persistent knee and wrist injuries, which had both physically and mentally drained him during his career's latter years.