Australian tennis player suspended after testing positive for cocaine

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is facing a provisional suspension after testing positive for cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the positive result from a sample taken on June 22 during an ATP tournament in Mallorca, Spain.

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I made a huge mistake, and I take full responsibility for it.

A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited lab identified benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, in the sample on July 17. The provisional suspension began on August 4, though Kyrgios has the option to appeal.

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Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself.

Kyrgios took to Instagram to admit his mistake, stating, "I made a huge mistake, and I take full responsibility for it." He extended apologies to his fans, family, sponsors, and particularly young followers, expressing deep disappointment in himself and the example he has set. He acknowledged that his struggles with injuries and the prospect of nearing the end of his career had been difficult, but stressed that these challenges did not excuse his actions.

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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.

Under the current suspension, Kyrgios is barred from participating in, coaching at, or attending any events sanctioned by professional tennis tours, including Grand Slams, while his case proceeds. The former world number 13, who reached the Wimbledon singles final in 2022, has had a limited season due to injuries, playing only four singles matches. He plans to step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his well-being, vowing to "do the work and come back better."

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None of that excuses what I did.