**Nick Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended Following Positive Cocaine Test**
August 19, 2026
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Wednesday. The suspension follows a positive test for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, from a sample collected during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June.
The 31-year-old Australian athlete, who has won seven ATP Tour singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of 13, acknowledged his mistake in a public apology shared on Instagram. "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," Kyrgios stated. He expressed remorse to his fans, family, sponsors, and particularly to young followers, recognizing the impact of his actions.
Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and a substance of abuse on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, and its use is banned during competitions under the anti-doping regulations of tennis. Kyrgios's provisional suspension has been in effect since August 4, following the confirmation of the positive test by a WADA-accredited laboratory on July 17.
In his apology, Kyrgios did not make excuses but provided context for his situation, citing the mental and physical toll of recent injuries on his career. "The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally," he explained. He conveyed the difficulty of coming to terms with the potential end of his career, stating, "Letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face."
While under suspension, Kyrgios is prohibited from participating in, coaching at, or attending any events organized by the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, or any national tennis associations. He has chosen not to appeal the provisional suspension and announced plans to step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his well-being. "I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better," he concluded.
Kyrgios's situation has drawn significant attention, reflecting ongoing concerns about mental health and substance use in professional sports. As one of tennis's more colorful personalities, Kyrgios's journey has been marked by both remarkable talent and controversial moments on and off the court. His recent admission adds another layer to the conversation surrounding athlete welfare and the pressures faced by professional sports figures.
As the tennis community processes this development, Kyrgios's future in the sport remains uncertain, and fans will be watching closely to see how he navigates this challenging period.