Kyrgios Suspended After Cocaine Test

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after testing positive for cocaine, creating another major setback in the former Wimbledon finalist’s injury-disrupted career.

The 31-year-old provided a urine sample during a tournament in Spain on June 22, which tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite. According to the information provided, his provisional suspension took effect on August 4, 2026. Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and substance of abuse under anti-doping rules.

Kyrgios accepted responsibility publicly, describing the incident as a “huge mistake.” He also referred to the physical and mental toll of repeated injuries and apologized to his family and friends. He announced plans to withdraw temporarily from social media and public life.

The ITIA said Kyrgios has the right to appeal. The eventual sanction could depend significantly on when and why the substance was used, including whether he can establish that consumption occurred outside competition and was unrelated to sporting performance.

The timing is particularly damaging for Kyrgios. Once ranked world No. 13 and a 2022 Wimbledon finalist, he has spent recent seasons battling injuries while attempting to rebuild his professional career.

The case also highlights the distinction between a provisional suspension and a final anti-doping sanction. Until the disciplinary process is completed, the duration of any eventual ban remains uncertain.

For Kyrgios, the consequences extend beyond missed tournaments. His response to the investigation, the final ruling and his ability to return physically and competitively could determine whether this becomes another interruption—or a defining turning point in his career.