Nick Kyrgios Suspended From Tennis After Positive Cocaine Test

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended following a positive test for cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) reported that Kyrgios’s suspension began on August 4 after his sample from a June tournament in Mallorca, Spain, tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.

Kyrgios responded with an Instagram post admitting, “I made a huge mistake and take full responsibility.” He once ranked as high as world number 13, but injuries have dropped him to 919. Kyrgios has participated in only four singles matches this season. In July, he entered the doubles competition at Wimbledon with a wild card entry but was defeated in the first round alongside Alexander Bublik.

According to the ITIA, Kyrgios cannot play in or coach at events organized by tennis’s global bodies or national associations during his suspension. He retains the right to appeal, but he has not yet exercised this option.

In his Instagram apology, Kyrgios expressed regret, particularly to his fans and young followers, acknowledging the poor example set by his actions. “I’m not making excuses, but the past two years have been physically and mentally challenging due to injuries,” he stated. He reflected on facing the potential end of his career, describing the process as more difficult than expected. Despite feeling helpless and alone at times, he emphasized, “None of that excuses what I did.” Kyrgios plans to step away from social media for a month to focus on personal recovery.

Known for controversial conduct on the court, Kyrgios has previously been involved in various disputes, including verbal altercations with umpires and incidents of racquet smashing. In 2015, Kyrgios made inappropriate remarks to an opponent, and in 2023, he admitted pushing an ex-partner, but avoided a criminal conviction. He later apologized for sharing content from misogynist influencer Andrew Tate.

Kyrgios has vocally criticized doping in tennis, notably expressing disappointment over cases involving top players Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek. During a 2024 interview with ESPN, he said, “Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport.” He also stressed, “I would never dope in this sport.” Previously, Kyrgios complained about a suspected marijuana smell disturbing his match at the U.S. Open.