19 August,2026 03:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Nick Kyrgios (Pic: AFP)
Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios was provisionally suspended from professional tennis on Wednesday after testing positive for a banned substance. The 31-year-old Australian released a public statement addressing the anti-doping violation, expressing regret over what he termed a 'huge mistake.'
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the provisional measure following a positive test result for benzoylecgonine, a recognised cocaine metabolite. The sample was collected during an ATP 250 event held in Mallorca in June
"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," Kyrgios shared via his official Instagram account.
"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," he added. Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and tennis anti-doping regulations, cocaine is listed as a prohibited stimulant and substance of abuse, making in-competition detection subject to mandatory provisional bans.
Reflecting on his recent struggles, Kyrgios refrained from offering excuses and instead discussed the personal and physical challenges that have accompanied the latter stages of his athletic career.
"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," he explained.
"My body hasn't been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined. I've always said I didn't choose tennis; tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I've ever had to face. At times I've felt helpless and alone," Kyrgios stated.
During the active provisional suspension, Kyrgios is prohibited from competing in, coaching at, or attending any official tournaments sanctioned by the ATP, WTA, Grand Slam board, or affiliated national associations.
Kyrgios elected not to appeal the provisional ruling, instead taking a 28-day break from public life and social media to address his well-being.
"I'm sorry. I'll do the work and come back better," he said in his statement.
Nick Kyrgios will miss the US Open starting next week in New York.
