2 weeks ago
Nick Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended After Positive Cocaine Test
Nick Kyrgios is an Australian tennis player who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022.
He gave a drug-test sample at a tournament in Mallorca on June 22.
The sample contained benzoylecgonine, a substance made when the body processes cocaine.
A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory confirmed the result on July 17.
Tennis officials provisionally suspended him starting August 4.
This means he cannot play in, coach at or attend many professional tennis events for now.
Kyrgios said he made a huge mistake and apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and young supporters.
He said injuries and worries about the end of his career had affected him physically and mentally.
He has not appealed and plans to spend 28 days away from social media and public life.
Nick Kyrgios was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency on August 4.
A sample collected at the Mallorca Open on June 22 contained benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.
A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory confirmed the finding on July 17.
The suspension bars Kyrgios from playing, coaching at or attending sanctioned events, including Grand Slam tournaments.
Kyrgios accepted full responsibility, apologised and said he would step away from public life for 28 days.
- Who
- Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios and the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
- What
- Kyrgios received a provisional suspension after a test found benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.
- Where
- The sample was taken during the Mallorca Open, an ATP 250 event in Mallorca.
- When
- The sample was collected on June 22, the result was confirmed on July 17, and the suspension began on August 4.
- Why
- The suspension followed a positive in-competition test under tennis anti-doping rules.
Kyrgios's Context
Anti-Doping Process
Responsibility and circumstances
Kyrgios's Context
Kyrgios accepted full responsibility and said injuries, mental strain and the difficulty of facing the possible end of his career contributed to his circumstances.
Anti-Doping Process
Kyrgios said those circumstances did not excuse his conduct, and the anti-doping process will determine the appropriate outcome.
Timing of cocaine use
Kyrgios's Context
The sample was collected during a tournament, but that fact alone does not establish when the cocaine was used or rule out use outside competition.
Anti-Doping Process
Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and substance of abuse and is prohibited in competition under the World Anti-Doping Agency and tennis rules.
Provisional suspension
Kyrgios's Context
Kyrgios has the right to appeal, and the eventual sanction has not yet been determined.
Anti-Doping Process
The International Tennis Integrity Agency has barred him from sanctioned tennis events while the provisional suspension remains in place.
Key facts
- Player
- Nick Kyrgios, a 31-year-old Australian tennis player
- Substance detected
- Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine
- Sample date
- June 22, during the Mallorca Open
- Confirmation date
- July 17, by a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory
- Suspension date
- August 4
- Suspension scope
- Kyrgios cannot play, coach at or attend events organised by the ATP, WTA, Grand Slams or national associations
- Appeal status
- He had not appealed when the suspension was announced, but retains the right to challenge it
- Career highlights
- He reached the 2022 Wimbledon singles final, won the 2022 Australian Open men's doubles title and has seven ATP singles titles
Quotes
Nick Kyrgios
Australian tennis player and former Wimbledon finalist
“I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it, "I'm sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I'm sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I'm deeply disappointed in myself."”
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“"None of that excuses what I did. However, the good news is that this has given me a wake‑up call. I'm sorry, I'll do the work and come back better."”
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indianexpress.com
Sources
Australian Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test
Tested positive for cocaine, Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios faces provisional suspension
Suspended Nick Kyrgios admits 'huge mistake' after failing cocaine test
ITIA suspends Nick Kyrgios after cocaine test, bars Australian star from Grand Slam events
Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended From Tennis After Testing Positive For Cocaine
Former Wimbledon Finalist Nick Kyrgios Takes 'Full Responsibility' After Testing Positive For Cocaine, Provisionally Suspended
Nick Kyrgios suspended from tennis after positive cocaine test
'I Made A Huge Mistake': Nick Kyrgios Suspended After Testing Positive For Cocaine During Tournament
Nick Kyrgios provisionally suspended by ITIA following positive drug test for cocaine
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