DistantNews
Support us
Tennis star Kyrgios suspended after failing cocaine test, admits 'huge mistake'
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

Tennis star Kyrgios suspended after failing cocaine test, admits 'huge mistake'

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency New plan
  • - Tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine.
  • The positive test occurred during an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22, with results confirmed on July 17.
  • Kyrgios admitted to making "a huge mistake" and expressed deep disappointment in himself and the example he has set.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on August 19, 2026. The positive test occurred during an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22, and a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, on July 17.

On 17 July 2026, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

— International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA)Official confirmation of the positive drug test result.

Kyrgios, 31, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, took to Instagram to express his remorse. "I made a huge mistake," he wrote. "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."

I made a huge mistake.

— Nick KyrgiosKyrgios's admission of fault on Instagram.

Known for his powerful serve and groundstrokes, Kyrgios has won seven ATP Tour singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of 13 in 2016. His most notable achievement was reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. However, his career has been significantly impacted by a series of injuries and a sometimes volatile temperament. Currently ranked 919, he has played sparingly in singles in recent years, admitting in January that he would likely never regain his past form.

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.

— Nick KyrgiosKyrgios's apology to his supporters and acknowledgment of the negative example set.

Kyrgios acknowledged that his injuries have taken a significant toll both physically and mentally, but stated, "None of that excuses what I did." He described the failed test as a "wake-up call" and vowed to "do the work and come back better." The ITIA's suspension, effective August 4, prohibits Kyrgios from participating in, coaching at, or attending any events organized or sanctioned by major tennis bodies.

None of that excuses what I did.

— Nick KyrgiosKyrgios's statement that his past struggles do not justify his failed drug test.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog