Nick Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended After Testing Positive For Cocaine

Nick Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended After Testing Positive for Cocaine Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, during an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June. The International Tennis Integrity Agency ITIA confirmed that Kyrgios provided a sample on June 22, with a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory confirming the positive result on July 17. His provisional suspension has been in effect since August 4. Kyrgios, 31, publicly acknowledged the violation and described it as a “huge mistake,” taking responsibility and apologising to his fans, family, sponsors and young supporters. The Australian also linked the incident to the difficult period he has experienced during recent years, saying persistent injuries have taken a significant physical and mental toll and that coming to terms with the possibility of his career nearing its end has been particularly difficult. Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and substance of abuse on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list and is banned in competition under tennis anti-doping rules. Kyrgios has the right to appeal his provisional suspension but had not done so as of the ITIA’s announcement. While suspended, Kyrgios cannot participate in, coach at or attend professional tennis events covered by the sport’s governing bodies. The eventual length of any sanction will depend on the circumstances and whether the substance was used in or out of competition. The former world No. 13 has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and currently sits far below his career-high ranking. He reached the 2022 Wimbledon final, where he lost to Novak Djokovic, but his appearances have become increasingly limited. Kyrgios has announced that he will step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his wellbeing. The suspension represents another major setback for Kyrgios as he attempts to continue a comeback that has already been disrupted by injuries. His final sanction could have a significant impact on what remains of his professional career. Kyrgios has accepted responsibility for the positive cocaine test and apologised, but his provisional suspension now prevents him from participating in professional tennis while the disciplinary process continues.