Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended following a positive test for cocaine
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios was provisionally suspended from tennis on Wednesday after testing positive for cocaine, with the volatile Australian acknowledging his “huge mistake” in a public apology.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced the suspension of the 31-year-old after a positive test for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, from a sample collected during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June.
Kyrgios, who achieved a career-high ranking of 13, has been provisionally suspended since August 4 following the confirmation of a banned stimulant’s presence by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) laboratory on July 17.
I recently did not pass a drug test in Mallorca after showing a positive result for cocaine. I acknowledge that I made a significant error, and I accept complete responsibility for it,” Kyrgios expressed on Instagram. I apologize to my fans, my family, my sponsors, and everyone dear to me. I want to apologize to the children who look up to me. I recognize the example this sets, and I feel a profound sense of disappointment in myself.
Cocaine is categorized as a stimulant and a substance of abuse on the WADA Prohibited List, making it prohibited in competition according to tennis anti-doping regulations.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFECTS
Kyrgios stated that he made no excuses, yet he depicted a scenario of a player grappling with the later stages of his career, referencing the mental strain caused by recent injuries.
I would like to provide some background regarding my recent whereabouts. The past few years of injuries have significantly impacted me, both physically and mentally,” he added.
My body hasn’t kept up with my mind’s expectations, and accepting that I’m nearing the end of my career has been more challenging than I anticipated. “I’ve often remarked that I didn’t choose tennis—tennis chose me. Letting go of something that has defined my entire existence is among the most challenging experiences I have ever encountered. At times, I have experienced feelings of helplessness and solitude.
Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, has struggled to regain that level of performance following several injury challenges, which have led to him missing the entire 2024 season.
He has experienced wrist reconstruction and knee surgeries, participating in only 10 matches since the beginning of 2023, which has caused his ranking to decline.
His latest appearance took place at Wimbledon earlier this year, where he partnered with Alexander Bublik in the doubles draw, but the duo was defeated in the opening round.
During his suspension, Kyrgios is prohibited from participating in, coaching at, or attending any events organized by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association.
There is no appeal from Kyrgios.
The Australian has chosen not to contest the provisional suspension and has announced plans to withdraw from social media and public life for 28 days to “focus on getting myself right.
My apologies. “I will put in the effort and return improved,” he concluded.
Kyrgios had previously expressed strong opinions regarding doping bans, describing the incidents involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek as “disgusting” for the sport and criticizing authorities for what he perceived as lenient treatment in their cases. sport and
Sinner failed two drug tests in 2024 for trace amounts of the anabolic androgenic steroid clostebol and served a three-month ban but was cleared of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, Swiatek accepted a one-month ban after a positive test for the hormone and metabolic modulator trimetazidine.
It is appalling for our sport that two world number ones have been caught doping. It’s an awful appearance,” Kyrgios had remarked.
He also acknowledged experiencing suicidal thoughts in 2019 following a second-round defeat to Rafa Nadal at Wimbledon, disclosing that he “ended up in a psych ward in London” to address his issues.
