Kyrgios Suspended After Positive Cocaine Test
Tennis star cites personal struggles amidst provisional ban following Mallorca Open sample.
Sarah Connor
Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency after testing positive for cocaine.
Cocaine remains banned in competition; the International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the positive test result.
The provisional suspension, in effect since August 4, 2026, prohibits the player from competing or attending tournaments pending a tribunal's outcome.
Kyrgios stated he made a huge mistake and takes full responsibility for the positive test: 'I wanted you to hear this from me first. I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine.'
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.
He offered apologies: '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.'
Kyrgios has played only four singles matches this season due to knee and wrist injuries, a factor he cited in his personal struggles.
He claimed his body has not been able to meet his mind's expectations, and coming to terms with the end of his career has been harder than he imagined.
Kyrgios reflected on his career: '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.'
He and partner Alexander Bublik lost in the first round of men's doubles at Wimbledon.
In 2017, British player Dan Evans received a one-year ban after also testing positive for cocaine.
Kyrgios announced plans to take a 28-day break from social media: 'However, the good news is that this has given me a wake up call. For the next 28 days, I’ll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right.'
For the next 28 days, I’ll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency claims Kyrgios could appeal against the provisional suspension, but he has not done so to date.
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