Nick Kyrgios Faces Provisional Suspension After Positive Cocaine Test

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a cocaine metabolite during an ATP event. The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the suspension, which prohibits him from participating in any sanctioned events. Kyrgios has publicly accepted responsibility for his actions, expressing regret to his fans and family. He plans to take a break from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his well-being. This season, he has struggled with injuries and has played only a few matches. Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, has won multiple ATP titles and is known for his dynamic playing style.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 19, 2026, 16:41 IST

Provisional Suspension for Kyrgios

File image of Australian Tennis player Nick Kyrgios(Photo: @tennismasterr/X)

London, Aug 19: The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced a provisional suspension for Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios after he tested positive for a cocaine metabolite in June.

Kyrgios provided a sample during an ATP 250 event held in Mallorca, Spain, on June 22. A laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, on July 17.

Cocaine is categorized as a stimulant and a substance of abuse on the WADA Prohibited List, making it illegal during competitions under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. Athletes testing positive for such substances out of competition may face reduced sanctions.

Due to the nature of the substance, a provisional suspension was enforced on August 4. Although Kyrgios, who achieved a career-high singles ranking of 13 in October 2016, has the option to appeal this suspension, he has not yet done so, according to ITIA.

As a result of this suspension, Kyrgios is barred from participating in, coaching at, or attending any events organized or sanctioned by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association.

Taking full accountability for his actions, Kyrgios released a statement on social media, discussing the challenges he has faced recently. The former Wimbledon finalist cited a series of physical injuries that have significantly impacted his career.

"I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it. 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 expressed on Instagram.

Kyrgios elaborated, "I'm not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I've been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. 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.

"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.

"None of that excuses what I did. However, the good news is that this has given me a wake-up call."

Kyrgios announced that he would be taking a break from social media and public appearances for the next 28 days to focus on his well-being.

"For the next 28 days, I'll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right. I'd ask that people respect my privacy during that time, and most importantly, the privacy of my family," he stated.

This season, Kyrgios has only participated in four singles matches due to ongoing knee and wrist injuries. His last appearance was in the men's doubles at Wimbledon, where he and his partner Alexander Bublik were eliminated in the first round.

Kyrgios has secured seven ATP Tour singles titles and reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets. He also won the Australian Open men's doubles title in 2022 alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.