Nick Kyrgios has completed a one-month anti-doping suspension after testing positive for cocaine, with the tennis anti-doping agency confirming Friday that the Australian is now eligible to return to competition. The 31-year-old was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on August 4 after failing a doping test at an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22.
Kyrgios admitted at the time that he had made “a huge mistake”.
The ITIA on Friday said that Kyrgios told investigators the cocaine had been used socially during a night out before he was scheduled to play in Mallorca.
An independent scientific expert from a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory was consulted by the ITIA. The expert concluded that
Kyrgios’ explanation was consistent with the concentration of cocaine detected in his sample.
“As a result the ITIA accepted that Kyrgios’ use of cocaine was outside of competition,” the ITIA said.
WADA regulations impose a standard three-month suspension for this type of violation, although that period can be reduced to one month when an athlete agrees to undertake a treatment programme.
“Kyrgios has entered into a treatment programme,” the ITIA added. “As such, the player’s suspension will end on September 3, 2026, subject to completion of the programme. Prize-money and ranking points from the Mallorca event will be forfeited.”
Kyrgios was once regarded as one of the ATP Tour’s most explosive talents, combining a powerful serve with heavy ground strokes. He has won seven singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of 13 in the world in 2016.
His best Grand Slam run came at Wimbledon in 2022, when he reached his first major final before losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets.
However, injuries and difficulties away from the court have severely limited his career since then. Kyrgios has suffered serious problems involving his right elbow, left wrist, hip, knees, shoulders and collarbone.
The most significant setback came in 2024, when he underwent a complete reconstruction of his right wrist. He is currently ranked 918th in the world.
Kyrgios has made only sporadic appearances in recent years. His most recent competitive outing came at Wimbledon in July, where he entered the men’s doubles as a wildcard alongside Alexander Bublik. The pair lost in the first round.
The Australian has previously hinted at retirement, but his response to the cocaine positive last month suggested he was taking the violation seriously.
“I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine,” he posted on Instagram at the time. “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 added.
With AFP Inputs
