Nick Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended After Positive Cocaine Test

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine, in another major setback for the former Wimbledon finalist’s troubled return to the sport.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the provisional suspension on Wednesday after a sample provided by the 31-year-old at an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory confirmed the finding on July 17.

Kyrgios was provisionally suspended on August 4, although the case only became public on Wednesday. Under tennis anti-doping rules, cocaine is classified as a stimulant and a substance of abuse that is prohibited during competition.

The Australian has acknowledged the positive test and accepted responsibility.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Kyrgios described the incident as a “huge mistake” and apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and young people who look up to him.

The former world No. 13 also offered some context for his actions, pointing to the physical and mental toll of persistent injuries and the difficulty of coming to terms with the possibility that his playing career may be approaching its end.

“I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it,” Kyrgios said in his statement.

Kyrgios has decided not to appeal the provisional suspension, according to the ITIA and reports on the case.

He has also announced that he will step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his personal recovery. During the suspension, he is barred from competing in, coaching at or attending events organised by major tennis bodies, including the ATP, WTA and Grand Slam tournaments.

The suspension adds another difficult chapter to a career that has been severely disrupted by injuries.

Kyrgios has undergone wrist reconstruction and knee surgery and has played only a limited number of matches since 2023. His most recent appearance came at Wimbledon this year, where he competed in the men’s doubles alongside Alexander Bublik.

The Australian reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 and climbed as high as No. 13 in the world rankings, but injuries have prevented him from consistently returning to that level.

The positive test is particularly notable given Kyrgios’ previous outspoken criticism of doping cases involving other leading players.

For now, his immediate focus appears to be stepping away from the spotlight and addressing the issues he says have affected him physically and mentally.

The ITIA’s provisional action does not represent the conclusion of the disciplinary process, and the case remains subject to the applicable anti-doping procedures.