Nick Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, announced on Wednesday that he had tested positive for cocaine, resulting in his provisional suspension from tennis. The 31-year-old Australian, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 singles final, has participated in only two Grand Slam events following a series of injuries, causing his current ranking to plummet to 919th.
Taking to social media, Kyrgios disclosed the details of the incident, admitting to failing a drug test in Mallorca after being found positive for cocaine during a lower-level tournament in June. He expressed regret, acknowledging his significant mistake and assuming full responsibility for his actions. Cocaine is prohibited as a doping substance during competitions, with varying sanctions applicable for off-competition use.
Kyrgios has openly discussed his mental health struggles, exacerbated by alcohol and drug misuse in the past. He confessed that accepting the nearing end of his career due to prolonged injuries has been challenging. Despite feeling helpless and isolated at times, Kyrgios emphasized that his personal challenges do not excuse his behavior.
Recently, Kyrgios received a wild card to compete in the doubles event at Wimbledon, where he and his partner Alexander Bublik were eliminated in the first round. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) will oversee the case, revealing that Kyrgios’ sample was collected on June 22, and the positive test was confirmed on July 17, post his Wimbledon participation.
Following the discovery, a mandatory provisional suspension was imposed on Kyrgios on August 4, which he has not contested, as confirmed by the ITIA.