Kyrgios confirms positive test and suspension
Nick Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, has received a provisional suspension from tennis after a drug test revealed the presence of cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the suspension shortly after the 31-year-old Australian disclosed the news on social media.
In an Instagram post, Kyrgios admitted to making a significant error, stating, “I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it.” He apologised to his family, fans, and sponsors, acknowledging the example set for younger followers. The tennis player explained that recent injury struggles had taken a considerable toll on him, both physically and mentally, contributing to feelings of helplessness and loneliness.
The positive test occurred in June at an ATP 250 event held in Mallorca. Subsequent analysis at a World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) laboratory in July confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in his system. Cocaine is listed as a stimulant and substance of abuse on the Wada Prohibited List and is banned during competition under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.
Details of the suspension
Under ITIA regulations, a provisional suspension is mandatory for positive tests involving cocaine. This suspension has been in effect since August 4, 2026. The duration of the suspension will largely depend on whether the substance was consumed in or out of competition. If taken out of competition, reduced sanctions may apply for substances of abuse.
Kyrgios retains the right to appeal the suspension, though the ITIA noted he has not yet done so. He is currently prohibited from participating in or attending tournaments while awaiting the outcome of a tribunal that will review his case. The ITIA statement specified that the sample was provided on June 22, 2026.
Historical precedents indicate varying ban lengths for similar offences. In 2017, Dan Evans received a 12-month ban for testing positive for cocaine during the Barcelona Open. However, Wada rules have since been updated, now stipulating a three-month suspension for out-of-competition offences. This period can be further reduced to one month if the athlete agrees to undertake an approved rehabilitation programme, a path taken by South African fast bowler Kasigo Rabada last year after his own positive cocaine test.
Career context and recent struggles
Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world ranking of 13th in 2016, has been a notable figure in tennis, known for both his talent and controversial incidents. His career highlight includes reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic.
In recent years, injuries have significantly limited his appearances on the court. He has played only twice in the main draw of a Grand Slam since his 2022 Wimbledon run, with his last Grand Slam appearance being at the 2025 Australian Open. This season, he has competed in just four singles matches. He also participated in a mixed doubles event against Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai last December.
In his social media statement, Kyrgios indicated that he would be stepping away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his well-being. He requested privacy for himself and his family during this period, expressing his commitment to improvement. His current world ranking stands at 919th.
The Australian player turned professional in 2013 after winning the Australian Open boys’ singles title. He made a significant impact at Wimbledon in 2014 by defeating Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. Throughout his career, he has accumulated seven ATP titles, with his first three coming in 2016 in Marseille, Atlanta, and Tokyo.
His career has also been marked by several on-court incidents, including fines for behaviour at Wimbledon in 2015 and 2022, an eight-week suspension in 2016 for perceived lack of effort at the Shanghai Masters, and throwing a chair onto the court at the Rome Masters in 2019. In 2022, he won the Australian Open men’s doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis.
His injury woes began to intensify in 2023, leading to knee surgery in January of that year and a withdrawal from Wimbledon in July due to a wrist injury. The provisional suspension became effective on August 4, 2026.
Source: theguardian.com
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