Nick Kyrgios provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine

Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine, the International Tennis Integrity Agency announced Wednesday.

The 31-year-old Australian submitted a sample on June 22 during the ATP 250 Mallorca Open. On July 17, a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The substance is listed on the WADA prohibited list and is banned in competition.

The provisional suspension took effect on August 4. Kyrgios has the right to appeal but has not done so to date, according to the ITIA.

Under the suspension, Kyrgios cannot play, coach at, or attend Grand Slams or any events sanctioned by the men's and women's tennis tours pending the outcome of a tribunal. He could face a ban of up to four years, though he may reduce the sanction if he can prove he took the substance without intent to enhance performance.

In an Instagram post, Kyrgios acknowledged making "a huge mistake" and said he takes "full responsibility" for it. "I am deeply disappointed in myself," he wrote. "I am sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Most of all, I am sorry to the young people who follow me. I know what example this sets and I am deeply disappointed in myself."

Kyrgios added that he would not seek excuses but wanted to provide context about his circumstances. He referenced the past two years of injuries he has endured.

The suspension is notable given Kyrgios's public criticism of Jannik Sinner during the Italian player's doping case in 2024. At that time, Kyrgios accused some players of "hiding powder under the carpet" and stated he would never consider doping himself.