Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test as Australian admits ‘huge mistake’

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine, with the Australian accepting responsibility and describing the incident as a “huge mistake.”

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the suspension on Wednesday after Kyrgios tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, from a sample collected during an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June.

Kyrgios, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 13 in the world, has been provisionally suspended since August 4. The presence of the banned stimulant was confirmed by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) laboratory on July 17.

The 31-year-old addressed the situation publicly on social media, apologising to his supporters, family and sponsors.

“I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a huge mistake, and I take full responsibility for it,” Kyrgios said.

“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself.”

Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and substance of abuse under the WADA Prohibited List and is prohibited in competition under tennis anti-doping regulations.

Kyrgios said he was not attempting to make excuses but offered some context about the difficult period he has experienced during the latter stages of his career.

The Australian has endured a series of injury problems in recent years, which he said have affected him both physically and mentally.

“The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally,” Kyrgios said.

“My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined.”

Kyrgios, who has often spoken openly about the pressures of professional tennis, admitted that walking away from the sport has been particularly difficult.

“I’ve always said I didn’t choose tennis – tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face. At times I’ve felt helpless and alone.”

During his provisional suspension, Kyrgios is prohibited from playing in, coaching at or attending events organised by World Tennis, the WTA, ATP, the Grand Slam tournaments or national tennis associations.

The Australian has not appealed the provisional suspension and said he plans to step away from social media and public life for 28 days while he focuses on his wellbeing.

“I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better,” Kyrgios concluded.

The suspension represents another difficult chapter for the former Wimbledon finalist, whose career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries and time away from competitive tennis.