Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Wednesday that the 31-year-old Australian returned a positive test for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, from a sample collected during an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June.

A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of the banned stimulant on July 17, and Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended since August 4.

Kyrgios acknowledged the failed test in a public apology, describing his actions as a “huge mistake” and accepting responsibility.

He apologised to his family, fans, sponsors and young people who follow him and said he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on himself.

Kyrgios has not appealed the provisional suspension.

While suspended, he is prohibited from playing, coaching or attending events organised by the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams, national tennis associations and other bodies governed by the sport’s anti-doping rules.

The former world number 13 has struggled with injuries in recent years, undergoing wrist reconstruction and knee surgery and playing only 10 matches since the beginning of 2023.

His most recent appearance came at Wimbledon this year, where he partnered Alexander Bublik in the doubles competition. The pair lost in the opening round.

Kyrgios reached the Wimbledon singles final in 2022, losing to Novak Djokovic.

(Reuters)