Australian tennis professional Nick Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, was placed under a provisional suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) following a positive test for cocaine. The test, conducted on June 22 during a tournament in Spain, revealed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
Player’s response
Kyrgios issued a lengthy statement on his Instagram Stories, acknowledging the mistake and taking full responsibility. He described the past two years of injuries as taking a “huge toll” on his physical and mental health, and announced he would withdraw from social media and public appearances for the next 28 days.
ITIA’s ruling
The ITIA confirmed that Kyrgios, a former world No. 13, retains the right to appeal the decision, though he has not yet done so. The agency noted that cocaine is listed as a stimulant and substance of abuse on the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and is banned in competition under the Tennis Anti‑Doping Programme. While reduced sanctions may apply for out‑of‑competition use, the nature of the substance requires a mandatory provisional suspension, which has been in effect since August 4, 2026.
Career context
Kyrgios remains one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, having reached the Wimbledon final in 2022. Despite his talent, his career has been marked by a volatile relationship with tennis officials and frequent on‑court outbursts. In 2026, he has played only four singles matches, causing his ranking to fall to 919th in the world. He received a wild‑card entry to play doubles at Wimbledon this year but was eliminated in the first round.
Implications for the sport
The provisional suspension underscores the ongoing efforts of the ITIA and WADA to enforce anti‑doping rules across professional tennis. It also highlights the pressures athletes face, particularly when dealing with injuries and mental‑health challenges. Kyrgios’ admission and temporary withdrawal may serve as a reminder of the importance of personal accountability and the strict standards governing competitive sport.
Next steps
While Kyrgios has not yet appealed, the ITIA’s statement indicates that a formal hearing will determine the final sanctions, if any. The outcome could affect his eligibility for upcoming tournaments and his standing within the sport.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
