Nick Kyrgios Suspended From Tennis After Testing Positive for Cocaine
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been placed under a provisional suspension after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The 31-year-old former Wimbledon finalist confirmed the development in a social media statement, calling it a “huge mistake” and taking responsibility for the positive test. Kyrgios said the result came from a sample collected during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June 2026.
🚨 Nick Kyrgios Confirms Positive Test
Kyrgios addressed the situation publicly, saying he wanted his fans to hear the news directly from him.
He acknowledged testing positive for cocaine and apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and others close to him. Kyrgios also said he was disappointed in himself and described the incident as a serious mistake.
The Australian tennis player said he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on himself.
🎾 ITIA Confirms Provisional Suspension
The International Tennis Integrity Agency later confirmed that Kyrgios had been provisionally suspended under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.
According to the information released by the ITIA:
- 📅 The sample was collected on June 22, 2026
- 🧪 A WADA-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine on July 17
- 🚫 A provisional suspension has been in place since August 4, 2026
- ⚖️ Kyrgios has the right to appeal
The final length of any suspension will depend on further proceedings, including whether the substance was determined to have been taken in or out of competition.
💬 Kyrgios Opens Up About Difficult Years
In his statement, Kyrgios also spoke about the challenges he has faced during recent years.
The former Wimbledon finalist said repeated injuries had taken a major toll on him and that dealing with the possibility of being near the end of his tennis career had been difficult.
However, he said these circumstances were not an excuse for what happened and described the positive test as a wake-up call.
🏆 A Career Marked by Talent and Controversy
Kyrgios has been one of the most talked-about players in modern tennis, known for his powerful game and outspoken personality.
His biggest Grand Slam run came in 2022, when he reached the Wimbledon final before losing to Novak Djokovic. He also achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 13 in 2016.
Injuries have significantly limited his appearances in recent years, and he has not played a Grand Slam event since the 2025 Australian Open.
📌 What Happens Next?
Kyrgios will remain subject to the provisional suspension while the case continues through the relevant anti-doping process.
The final outcome, including the duration of any ban, will depend on the circumstances established during the proceedings and any appeal or rehabilitation-related provisions that may apply under the anti-doping rules.
