Nick Kyrgios: Career in doubt after positive cocaine test
BBC Sport explores the potential end of tennis player Nick Kyrgios’ career following his recent positive drug test.
A Controversial Career
Nick Kyrgios, a former world number 19, has had a tumultuous career marked by both stunning victories and controversial behavior. At just 19, he made history by defeating Rafael Nadal on his Centre Court debut at Wimbledon. He later reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, losing to Novak Djokovic.
Recent Turn of Events
At 31, Kyrgios tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at the Mallorca Open in June, acknowledging it as a "huge mistake." However, he also attributed his impending career end to recent injuries, saying, "Coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined."
The Legal Fallout
Kyrgios faces a potential ban of up to four years from an independent tribunal. A mandatory provisional suspension will prevent him from playing during this period.
A History of Contention
Kyrgios’ career hasn’t been without controversy. In 2015, he received a suspended ban for making lewd remarks about Stan Wawrinka‘s girlfriend. The following year, he was banned for eight weeks for his behavior at the Shanghai Masters, later reduced to three weeks after seeking psychological help.
In 2019, Kyrgios reached his lowest point, facing multiple fines and a suspended ban for verbal abuse of officials and spectators. He described this period as his "lowest point" in a Netflix documentary, Break Point.
