Nick Kyrgios Suspended After Positive Cocaine Test

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has admitted he made a “huge mistake” after being provisionally suspended for testing positive for cocaine during an ATP event in Mallorca.

The 31-year-old Wimbledon finalist failed an anti-doping test on June 22, with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirming that a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory detected benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, on July 17.

Kyrgios addressed the suspension on Wednesday, taking full responsibility for the failed test and apologising to his supporters, family and sponsors.

“I made a huge mistake,” Kyrgios wrote on Instagram.

“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me,” he added. “Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me.”

The Australian said he was deeply disappointed in himself and acknowledged the example his actions could set for young fans.

Kyrgios Takes Responsibility

Kyrgios also reflected on the physical and mental difficulties he has faced during a career increasingly affected by injuries.

“I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself,” he said.

The former world No. 13 said his injuries had taken “a huge toll” on him physically and mentally, but stressed that they did not excuse the failed test.

“None of that excuses what I did,” Kyrgios said. “However the good news is that this has given me a wake-up call.”

He promised to learn from the incident and return stronger.

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

A Career Blighted by Injuries

Kyrgios has long been regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation. His explosive serve and powerful groundstrokes helped him win seven ATP singles titles and reach a career-high ranking of No. 13 in 2016.

His greatest Grand Slam achievement came at Wimbledon in 2022, when he reached his first major singles final. He eventually lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets.

Kyrgios also owns the distinction of having defeated each member of tennis’ celebrated “Big Four” Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray at tour level.

However, his career has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries. He has suffered problems involving his elbow, wrist, hip, knees, shoulders and collarbone, undergoing several operations.

His most serious setback came in 2024, when he underwent a complete reconstruction of his right wrist.

Now ranked 919th in the world, Kyrgios has made only limited appearances in singles tennis in recent years. In January, he acknowledged that he was unlikely to return to the level he once reached.

Suspension Began in August

The ITIA said Kyrgios’ provisional suspension came into effect on August 4.

Under the terms of the suspension, he is prohibited from competing in, coaching at or attending events organised or sanctioned by the sport’s major governing bodies, including the ATP, WTA, Grand Slam tournaments, World Tennis and national tennis associations.

The case represents another difficult chapter in the career of a player whose extraordinary ability has often been overshadowed by injuries and controversy.

For Kyrgios, however, Wednesday’s statement suggested a determination to confront the latest setback and use it as a turning point.

“I’ll do the work and come back better,” he said.