Nick Kyrgios tested positive for a banned substance ahead of the Mallorca Championships in Mallorca, Spain, this summer, resulting in a provisional suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Kyrgios submitted a sample in June, which was confirmed in July by the ITIA to contain a metabolite of cocaine.
"The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has provisionally suspended Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program," an ITIA statement read. "31-year-old Kyrgios provided a sample during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, on 22 June 2026. On 17 July 2026, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine."
Kyrgios took
to social media to apologize to his fans and supporters, saying he wouldn't justify his actions and this is not the example he wants to set for his younger fans. He also acknowledged that years of injuries have affected him mentally and physically. Kyrgios mentioned he's been confronting the possibility that his career might be ending soon, which has been more challenging than he expected.
"However, the good news is that this has served as a wake-up call. For the next 28 days, I'll be stepping away from social media and public life to focus on getting myself right," Kyrgios wrote on an Instagram story post. "I ask that people respect my privacy during this time, and, most importantly, the privacy of my family."
Although no timeline was given for how long Kyrgios will be suspended, he is not allowed to play in, coach, or attend any events organized by any national tennis association.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nick Kyrgios provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine
