Kyrgios Suspended from Tennis After Cocaine Test
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Kyrgios Suspended After Positive Cocaine Test
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Nick Kyrgios has won just one and lost three of his four singles matches this year.
By Amy Lofthouse, BBC Sport senior journalist
Published 39 minutes ago
Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine.
The Australian submitted a sample during the Mallorca Open on 22 June, which later tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Kyrgios, a former world number 13, was provisionally suspended since 4 August by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
He stated on Instagram: “I made a huge mistake. I take full responsibility.”
Under the suspension, Kyrgios is forbidden from playing, coaching at, or attending Grand Slams or any events sanctioned by the men’s and women’s tennis tours, pending the outcome of a tribunal.
The 31-year-old has played just four singles matches this season due to ongoing knee and wrist injuries. He last competed in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon.
In his Instagram post, Kyrgios acknowledged the struggles of recent years:
"My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do. Coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined."
He apologized to fans, family, sponsors, and young followers. "I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself."
Kyrgios’ suspension comes after a year of controversy, including:
- Assaulting an ex-girlfriend in 2023 (he avoided criminal conviction)
- Making misogynistic comments
- Sharing content from controversial influencer Andrew Tate
- Criticizing anti-doping cases involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.
Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and substance of abuse on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list. Reduced sanctions apply for athletes who test positive out of competition. However, Kyrgios’ sample was taken during a singles tournament, leading to his provisional suspension.
