Kyrgios Banned From Tennis After Failing Doping Test in Mallorca
Nick Kyrgios admits “huge mistake” following provisional suspension. Cocaine positive sees Kyrgios hit with provisional tennis ban.
“My body hasn't been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near.”
Nick Kyrgios has been handed a provisional ban from tennis after returning a positive test for cocaine. The former Wimbledon finalist, 31, called it a “huge mistake” and issued a public apology on Wednesday.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the suspension after detecting benzoylecgonine - a cocaine metabolite - in a sample provided during the ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca back in June.
Kyrgios, a former world No.13, has been sidelined since August 4. The WADA-accredited lab confirmed the presence of the banned stimulant on July 17, triggering the provisional suspension.
“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 on Instagram.
“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.”
Under tennis anti-doping rules, cocaine is listed as a stimulant and drug of abuse on WADA’s Prohibited List, meaning it’s banned during competition.
Kyrgios offered no excuses, but described a difficult period as his career winds down. He pointed to the mental strain of dealing with recent injuries as part of the reason behind what happened.
“I do want to give some context about where I've been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally ” he added.
“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.
“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.”
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.
— International Tennis Integrity Agency (@itia_tennis) August 19, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/W4B69vq1RW pic.twitter.com/GoRss7TCPo
During the ban, Kyrgios is barred from playing, coaching at, or even attending any tournaments run by World Tennis, the WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national federation.
The Australian has chosen not to appeal the provisional suspension and said he will step away from social media and public life for 28 days to “focus on getting myself right.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better,” he concluded.
No comments:
Leave comment here