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Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine at an ATP tournament in Mallorca, with the Australian admitting that he made a “huge mistake” and taking full responsibility for the anti-doping violation.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that Kyrgios provided a sample on June 22, 2026, during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca. A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory later detected benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in the sample.
Nick Kyrgios Admits He Made a “Huge Mistake”
Kyrgios addressed the situation publicly through social media, acknowledging the failed drug test and accepting responsibility.
The former Wimbledon finalist apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and particularly young supporters who look up to him. He also said he was deeply disappointed in himself over the incident.
Rather than disputing the result publicly, Kyrgios said he had made a serious mistake. His statement marked a notably reflective moment for a player who has frequently been outspoken about controversies surrounding professional tennis.
When Did Kyrgios’ Suspension Begin?
According to the ITIA, Kyrgios’ provisional suspension began on August 4, 2026. The suspension prevents him from participating in or attending events organised or sanctioned by major tennis governing bodies while it remains in effect.
Kyrgios has the right to appeal the provisional suspension, but the ITIA said he had not appealed as of its announcement on August 19.
The eventual outcome and any further sanction will depend on the anti-doping process.
Positive Test Came During Mallorca Tournament
The positive sample was collected while Kyrgios was competing at an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca.
The substance identified was benzoylecgonine, which is produced when cocaine is metabolised in the body. The WADA-accredited laboratory confirmed the finding on July 17, according to reports citing the ITIA.
The development has created another difficult chapter in Kyrgios’ already challenging return to professional tennis.
Kyrgios Says Injuries Took a Heavy Toll
In his statement, Kyrgios also spoke about the physical and emotional difficulties he has experienced during the past several years.
Recurring injuries, including problems requiring wrist and knee surgery, have severely restricted his time on court since 2023. The Australian said the physical limitations had also affected him mentally as he struggled with the possibility that his playing career could be approaching its end.
However, Kyrgios acknowledged that these circumstances did not excuse his actions.
He described the suspension as a wake-up call and said he intended to use the period away from tennis to focus on himself.
Kyrgios Plans to Step Away From Public Life
As part of his response, Kyrgios announced that he would take a 28-day break from social media and public life.
The Australian asked for privacy during that period, particularly for his family, while saying that he wanted to focus on recovery and personal improvement.
The decision comes at a difficult stage of his career, with injuries having limited his ability to compete consistently at the highest level.
A Difficult Period for the Former Wimbledon Finalist
Kyrgios reached the Wimbledon final in 2022 and climbed as high as No. 13 in the ATP singles rankings during his career.
However, injuries have dramatically reduced his competitive schedule in recent seasons. The latest anti-doping controversy now adds another challenge as he attempts to determine what comes next in his tennis career.
His future in professional tennis will depend partly on the outcome of the anti-doping proceedings and any eventual sanction.
What Happens Next?
The provisional suspension is not necessarily the final outcome of the case.
Kyrgios has the right to challenge the suspension, while the relevant anti-doping authorities will continue to handle the case under the applicable rules.
The length and consequences of any final sanction will depend on the circumstances established during the proceedings.
For now, Kyrgios has chosen to accept responsibility publicly and step away from the spotlight.
A Major Setback for Kyrgios’ Comeback
The positive cocaine test comes at a particularly difficult time for Kyrgios.
After spending much of the past few seasons dealing with injuries, the Australian had hoped to return to a more consistent competitive schedule. Instead, the suspension has created further uncertainty over his playing future.
Whether he can return to the tour after this setback will depend not only on the outcome of the disciplinary process but also on his physical condition and personal recovery.
Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine at an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca. The ITIA confirmed that the sample contained benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, with the provisional suspension beginning on August 4.
Kyrgios has admitted that he made a “huge mistake”, accepted responsibility and apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and young followers. He has also announced a 28-day withdrawal from social media and public life to focus on his recovery.
The case represents a major setback for the former Wimbledon finalist, whose career has already been disrupted by persistent injuries. His next steps and the eventual anti-doping decision will determine what lies ahead for one of tennis’ most recognisable and controversial figures.
