Nick Kyrgios suspended provisionally after testing positive for cocaine

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios faces a provisional suspension following a positive test for benzoilecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the suspension, which is effective from August 4, 2026, pending the resolution of his case. The positive sample was collected during an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca, Spain, on June 22. A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory detected the substance on July 17. Cocaine is classified as a substance of abuse and is prohibited during competition by WADA. Kyrgios, 31, has acknowledged the positive test, calling it a "big mistake" and accepting full responsibility. He issued an apology to his fans, family, sponsors, and children who follow him. The player also spoke about the physical and mental toll of recent years, largely due to injuries that have hampered his ability to perform as his mind intended. He stressed that these difficulties do not justify his actions. The suspension is provisional, meaning a definitive sanction has not yet been determined. Kyrgios has not appealed the provisional measure, which began on August 4. The duration of any potential ban will be decided through the ongoing proceedings.

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I made a big mistake and I take full responsibility for it. I am sorry to my fans, to my family, to my sponsors and to everyone who is close to me. Above all, I am sorry to the children who follow me.