Controversial Tennis Star Tests Positive for Cocaine
Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has tested positive for cocaine while in Mallorca.
- Kyrgios admitted to the mistake on Instagram, apologized to fans, family, and sponsors, and accepted full responsibility.
- The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has provisionally suspended Kyrgios, who has the right to appeal.
Controversial tennis star Nick Kyrgios has tested positive for cocaine, admitting to the offense on Instagram. The Australian player stated he recently tested positive on the island of Mallorca, calling it a "big mistake" and accepting "full responsibility."
Kyrgios extended apologies to his fans, family, sponsors, and those close to him, including children who follow him. The 31-year-old now faces a potential ban, with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) having provisionally suspended him. He retains the right to appeal this suspension.
I recently tested positive for cocaine on Mallorca. I made a big mistake and take full responsibility for it.
The positive test occurred during the ATP tournament in Mallorca in June. Traces of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, were found. Kyrgios has a history of injuries and has not been a regular fixture on the ATP Tour. Despite being considered a significant talent, his career has been marked by controversy rather than consistent results.
Known as tennis's enfant terrible, Kyrgios has divided opinions with his on-court behavior, including arguments with officials, spectators, and opponents. While capable of spectacular play, he has also faced accusations of intentionally losing matches by not attempting to return balls. His career highlight was reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. He peaked at world No. 13 in 2026 and is currently ranked 919.
I apologize to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me, as well as children who follow me.
Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.