Nick Kyrgios has been placed under a provisional tennis suspension after a test detected cocaine in his system.
The Australian provided the sample at the Mallorca Open on 22 June. Analysis identified benzoylecgonine, a substance produced when cocaine is broken down in the body.
The former world No. 13 has been suspended since 4 August. He has the right to challenge the decision, although the International Tennis Integrity Agency said no appeal had been filed so far.
Quick facts
- Sample collected: Mallorca Open, 22 June
- Suspension began: 4 August
- Possible maximum ban: four years
- Reduced maximum for out-of-competition use: three months
- Matches played this season: four singles contests
Writing on Instagram, Kyrgios acknowledged that he had made “a huge mistake” and said he accepted “full responsibility” for his actions.
While the provisional order remains in force, he is barred from competing, coaching or attending Grand Slam tournaments and any competitions approved by the men’s or women’s tours. The restrictions will remain until a tribunal reaches its decision.
A suspension of up to four years is possible. If Kyrgios demonstrates that the cocaine was taken outside a competition, however, the longest penalty available would be three months.
The 31-year-old has appeared in only four singles matches this season after persistent knee and wrist problems disrupted his career in recent years.
His most recent appearance came in the Wimbledon men’s doubles draw. Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik were eliminated in the opening round.
In an extended Instagram statement, Kyrgios said the continuing injury problems of the past few years had affected him severely, both psychologically and physically.
“My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do,” he wrote, adding that accepting he may be approaching the end of his playing career had proved more difficult than expected.
Kyrgios also announced that he would withdraw from social media and public life for 28 days while concentrating on his recovery and trying to “focus on getting myself right”.
Under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list, cocaine is designated both as a stimulant and as a substance of abuse.
Athletes can receive lighter sanctions when a positive result involves use outside competition.
In Kyrgios’ case, the sample was taken during a tournament in which he competed in singles. He was beaten in the first round by Adam Walton.
He apologised to his supporters, family, sponsors and those closest to him. Kyrgios also expressed particular regret to the children who look up to him, saying he understood the message his conduct could send and was deeply disappointed in himself.
