According to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Kyrgios provided a test sample on 22/6 at the ATP 250 tournament in Spain. By 17/7, the laboratory, accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), reported that the sample contained benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The ITIA subsequently imposed a provisional suspension on Kyrgios starting from 4/8.

Cocaine is on WADA's list of banned substances. Under tennis anti-doping regulations, the use of cocaine in-competition is prohibited. Penalties may be reduced if the substance is used out-of-competition, but Kyrgios's case stems from a test sample taken during a tournament he participated in.

Kyrgios has the right to appeal the provisional suspension, but the ITIA stated he has not yet exercised this right. During the suspension, the 31-year-old player is not allowed to compete, train, or participate in events organized or sanctioned by the ATP, WTA, the four Grand Slams, or national tennis federations.

Nick Kyrgios during a "Battle of the Sexes" match against female tennis player Aryna Sabalenka at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, UAE, on 28/12/2025. Photo: Reuters

On his Instagram page, Kyrgios admitted to making "a very big mistake" and affirmed he would "take full responsibility." The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up also extended his apologies to fans, family, sponsors, and those close to him.

"Most of all, I apologize to the kids who look up to me," Kyrgios wrote. "I understand the gravity of the situation I created. I am incredibly disappointed in myself."

Kyrgios revealed that his continuous struggles with knee and wrist injuries in recent years have significantly impacted him both physically and mentally: "My body can no longer do what my mind wants. Accepting that my career is nearing its final years is harder than I ever imagined. But none of that excuses what I did."

The player, often described as "Australia's maverick," also announced he would temporarily withdraw from social media and the public eye for 28 days to focus on getting himself back on the right track.

This season, Kyrgios has played only 4 singles matches due to injury. The former world number 13's last appearance was in the Wimbledon men's doubles, where he partnered with Alexander Bublik and lost in the first round. Prior to that, at Mallorca, Kyrgios was eliminated by Adam Walton in the first round of the men's singles.

Kyrgios has been open about his mental health issues on multiple occasions. After his defeat at Wimbledon 2019, he stated he had "seriously considered suicide." These negative thoughts led Kyrgios to seek treatment at a psychiatric hospital in London for a period.

Vy Anh