By The Daily Caller (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-19 14:51:21 | Updated at 2026-08-20 05:56:14
16 hours ago
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, has received a provisional suspension from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after he tested positive for cocaine.
During a Spain-based event June 22, Kyrgios provided a sample, which ultimately led to benzoylecgonine being found. Benzoylecgonine is a metabolite of cocaine. (RELATED: University Of Michigan Apparently Needs To Import A Foreign Worker To Coach Golf)
The 31-year-old issued an apology to his family and friends in a statement posted on Instagram Stories, branding the situation as a “huge mistake” and taking full responsibility.
“I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I’ve been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally,” said Kyrgios, adding that he will be taking a break from public life and social media over the next 28 days.
BREAKING: Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine 🚨
The Aussie submitted a sample on June 22 during the Mallorca Open. The sample was later found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. pic.twitter.com/kfo1yKhOEi
It’s been confirmed by the ITIA that Kyrgios is able to appeal, however, he hasn’t done so at this time.
“Cocaine is a stimulant and substance of abuse on the WADA Prohibited List and is banned in competition under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. If taken out of competition, reduced sanctions apply for substances of abuse,” said the ITIA in an official statement.
“Because of the nature of the substance, a provisional suspension is mandatory and has been in place since 4 August 2026.”
Reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios has one of the most high-profile names in the sport of tennis.
