Nick Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended After Positive Cocaine Test

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine during an ATP tournament in Mallorca, Spain, with the former world No. 13 admitting that he made a serious mistake.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed on Wednesday that Kyrgios provided a sample on June 22 during the ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca.

A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory subsequently detected benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, with the finding confirmed on July 17.

Kyrgios’ provisional suspension took effect on August 4, preventing him from participating in or attending events sanctioned by the professional tennis tours while the case remains under review.

The 31-year-old has the right to appeal the suspension, although the ITIA said he had not lodged an appeal at the time the announcement was made.

Kyrgios acknowledged the positive test in a statement posted on Instagram, accepting responsibility and apologising to those affected by the development.

“I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a huge mistake, and I take full responsibility for it,” Kyrgios wrote.

The Australian also apologised to his supporters, family, sponsors and younger fans who look up to him.

“Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself,” he said.

Kyrgios explained that the past few years had been particularly difficult due to persistent injuries, which he said had taken a toll on both his physical and mental wellbeing.

“My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined,” he said.

However, the Australian acknowledged that his personal struggles could not justify his actions.

“None of that excuses what I did,” Kyrgios added.

The provisional suspension means the seven-time ATP singles champion is currently barred from playing, coaching at or attending competitions sanctioned by the professional tennis tours, including Grand Slam tournaments.

Kyrgios has been severely restricted by injuries this season and has played only four singles matches.

His most recent appearance came at Wimbledon, where he partnered Alexander Bublik in the men’s doubles competition. The pair were eliminated in the opening round.

Despite his recent struggles, Kyrgios remains one of the most recognisable players of his generation.

He reached the Wimbledon singles final in 2022, losing to Novak Djokovic, and has won seven ATP Tour singles titles.

He also captured the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Following the latest development, Kyrgios said he intends to withdraw from social media and public life for 28 days to concentrate on his wellbeing.

“I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better,” he said.

Kyrgios’ case will now proceed through the appropriate anti-doping process as he awaits the next stage of proceedings.