Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after a positive test for cocaine during an event in Mallorca. The 31-year-old Australian tennis player admitted to making a ‘huge mistake’ and is stepping away from social media.
The Positive Test and Provisional Suspension
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after testing positive for a cocaine metabolite during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, on June 22, 2024.
The 31-year-old former Wimbledon finalist confirmed the violation in a statement on his Instagram account, stating he ‘made a huge mistake and take full responsibility for it.’
Key developments:
- The ITIA announced the provisional suspension on August 19, effective since August 4, following confirmation of the positive test by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory on July 17.
- The banned substance detected was benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, which is classified as a stimulant and substance of abuse under WADA rules and prohibited in-competition.
Official Response and Process
The ITIA confirmed the suspension in a statement, noting that Kyrgios has not appealed the provisional ban. Under anti-doping regulations, a provisional suspension is mandatory upon notification of an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for a prohibited substance.
Kyrgios’ suspension means he is prohibited from participating in or attending any events organized or sanctioned by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, Grand Slam tournaments, or national associations until the suspension is lifted.
Kyrgios’ Public Statement and Context
In a lengthy Instagram post, Kyrgios addressed the situation directly, stating:
“I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it.”
He expressed apologies to his fans, family, sponsors, and especially to the children who follow him, acknowledging the example this sets.
Kyrgios also provided personal context, saying:
“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.”
He described feeling ‘helpless and alone’ during this period and emphasized that letting go of tennis — a life-long pursuit — has been one of the hardest challenges he’s faced.
Kyrgios announced he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his well-being.
Career Impact and Recent Performance
Kyrgios, once ranked world No. 13, has seen a significant decline in form and ranking due to persistent injuries. As of August 2024, he is ranked No. 919 in singles and has played only four singles matches in the 2024 season.
Despite this, he received a wildcard into Wimbledon 2024 for doubles, where he and partner Alexander Bublik were eliminated in the first round.
Kyrgios has won seven ATP singles titles and the 2022 Australian Open doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Anti-Doping Rules and Historical Precedent
Cocaine is banned in-competition under the WADA Prohibited List and classified as a stimulant and substance of abuse. Violations typically result in suspensions ranging from three months to four years, depending on intent and circumstances.
Historically, tennis players found guilty of cocaine use have received relatively lenient sanctions. For example, Dan Evans received a one-year suspension in 2017 after testing positive for cocaine at the Barcelona Open.
The ITIA has stated that Kyrgios’ case will proceed under standard anti-doping procedures, with a final decision expected after a hearing.