Μake us preferred on Google Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from all competitive activity after testing positive for cocaine use in a doping control. According to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the 31-year-old Australian gave the sample on June 22, during the Mallorca Open, a tournament where he lost in the first round of singles to Adam Walton.
The lab analysis found benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The provisional suspension has been in effect since August 4. The ITIA noted that the player retains the right to appeal the decision, but has not done so as of now.
Under the rules, cocaine is classified as a stimulant and a substance of abuse on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of banned substances. In-competition tests, like the one in Kyrgios’s case, carry stricter penalties than out-of-competition tests.
With the suspension in place, the former world No. 13 is barred from competing, coaching, or attending Grand Slam tournaments and ATP and WTA events.
“I Made a Huge Mistake”
Kyrgios addressed the matter in an Instagram post, saying he made “a huge mistake” and is taking “full responsibility.” He also noted that his knee and wrist injuries in recent years took a significant mental and physical toll on him, adding: “My body couldn’t live up to what my mind expected of it. Accepting that I’m nearing the end of my career was harder than I ever imagined. None of that excuses what I did.”
This season, the Australian has played just four singles matches, with his last appearance coming in the Wimbledon men’s doubles, where he was eliminated in the first round alongside partner Alexander Bublik.
He said he will step away from social media and public life for the next 28 days.
