1 week ago
Nick Kyrgios Suspended After Cocaine Test, Apologises to Fans
Nick Kyrgios is a professional tennis player from Australia.
He said a test found cocaine in his sample after a tournament in Mallorca.
Tennis officials temporarily stopped him from playing while they investigate.
He said he made a serious mistake and apologised to people who support him.
He also said injuries and worries about his career have been difficult for him.
He said those problems do not excuse his actions.
Kyrgios plans to stay away from social media and public life for 28 days.
Officials will decide his final punishment later.
Nick Kyrgios confirmed he tested positive for cocaine at the Mallorca Open on 22 June.
The ITIA said a WADA-accredited laboratory confirmed benzoylecgonine in his sample on 17 July.
Kyrgios received a mandatory provisional suspension on 4 August and has not appealed it.
He apologised to fans, family, sponsors and children who follow him, calling the result a major mistake.
The final penalty remains undecided; rules allow a suspension of up to four years, with possible reductions in some circumstances.
- Who
- Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios and the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
- What
- Kyrgios was provisionally suspended after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite.
- Where
- The sample was collected at the Mallorca Open, an ATP 250 event in Spain.
- When
- His sample was collected on 22 June, confirmed by a laboratory on 17 July, and the suspension began on 4 August.
- Why
- Cocaine is prohibited in competition under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme; the final sanction will be decided through ongoing proceedings.
Kyrgios's explanation
ITIA's anti-doping process
Responsibility and context
Kyrgios's explanation
Kyrgios said he made a major mistake, accepted full responsibility and apologised. He cited the physical and mental effects of injuries and the difficulty of nearing the end of his career, while acknowledging that these factors did not excuse his conduct.
ITIA's anti-doping process
The ITIA reported the positive test and applied a mandatory provisional suspension under its anti-doping rules, without making a final determination on the eventual penalty.
Future participation
Kyrgios's explanation
Kyrgios said he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his wellbeing and return better.
ITIA's anti-doping process
Under the provisional-suspension rules, he cannot play in, coach at or attend events organised by the ATP, WTA, ITF, Grand Slams or national tennis associations.
Final punishment
Kyrgios's explanation
Kyrgios has the right to appeal the provisional suspension but, according to the ITIA, has not done so.
ITIA's anti-doping process
The ITIA said proceedings are ongoing. Its rules allow a suspension of up to four years, while reduced sanctions may apply if use outside competition and other conditions are established.
Key facts
- Athlete
- Nick Kyrgios, a former world No. 13 and 2022 Wimbledon finalist
- Substance
- Benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine
- Sample date
- 22 June at the Mallorca Open
- Laboratory confirmation
- 17 July by a WADA-accredited laboratory
- Suspension date
- 4 August
- Possible maximum sanction
- Up to four years, subject to applicable rules and potential reductions
- Current status
- Kyrgios has not appealed the provisional suspension
Quotes
Nick Kyrgios
Australian professional tennis player
“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.”
CNBC TV 18
“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.”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
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