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Nick Kyrgios’ attempted return to competitive tennis has taken another dramatic turn, with the former Wimbledon finalist provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine at an ATP event in Mallorca.
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The Australian has admitted the anti-doping violation and accepted responsibility, describing his decision as a “huge mistake” while apologising to his fans, family, sponsors and the young supporters who look up to him.
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Kyrgios says the past few years have taken a heavy physical and emotional toll, with persistent injuries limiting his career
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The 31-year-old has announced that he will step away from social media and public life for 28 days, saying he wants to focus on himself before attempting to return stronger.
August 19, (THEWILL) — Nick Kyrgios’ long-awaited tennis comeback has suffered another major setback after the former Wimbledon finalist was provisionally suspended from professional tennis following a positive cocaine test.
The Australian confirmed the news himself on Wednesday, revealing that he tested positive for cocaine during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, in June.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) subsequently confirmed that Kyrgios provided a sample on June 22 during the Mallorca tournament.
A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory later confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine, in his sample.
Kyrgios has accepted responsibility for the failed test and issued an emotional statement addressing the situation.
He said, “I recently failed a drugs test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it.”
The Australian also apologised to those closest to him, including his supporters and sponsors, but reserved particular regret for the young fans who follow his career.
“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me,” Kyrgios said.
“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 Opens Up About Career Struggles
The failed drugs test comes during one of the most difficult periods of Kyrgios’ professional career.
The 31-year-old has barely been able to maintain a consistent presence on the ATP Tour since his breakthrough run to the Wimbledon final in 2022.
A series of serious injuries, particularly problems with his knee, wrist and shoulder, have repeatedly interrupted his attempts to return to the highest level.
Kyrgios admitted that the physical problems have also affected him mentally as he struggles with the possibility that his tennis career could be approaching its final chapter.
“I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I’ve been,” he said.
“The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally.”
He explained that one of his biggest difficulties has been accepting that his body can no longer consistently meet the demands of professional tennis.
“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 added.
Kyrgios has previously spoken about the complicated relationship he has with tennis, despite possessing the talent to compete with the best players in the world.
“I’ve always said I didn’t choose tennis – tennis chose me,” he said.
“But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face.”
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ITIA Confirms Provisional Suspension
The ITIA confirmed that Kyrgios’ provisional suspension has been in place since August 4.
Under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme, cocaine is classified as a stimulant and substance of abuse that is prohibited in competition. Because the positive test occurred during an event, the ITIA said a provisional suspension was mandatory.
Kyrgios has not appealed the provisional suspension.
While the suspension remains in place, he is prohibited from participating in, coaching at or attending events organised under the ATP, WTA, Grand Slam tournaments and national tennis associations.
The suspension represents another obstacle for a player whose career has already been severely disrupted by injuries.
Kyrgios played at the Mallorca ATP 250 in June but lost his opening-round match against fellow Australian Adam Walton in straight sets.
The Australian announced that he will take the next 28 days away from social media and public life to focus on himself and his family.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
