Kyrgios, suspended for testing positive for cocaine: “I have made a huge mistake”
The Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine during a control carried out on June 22, at a tournament ATP 250 in Mallorca. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has announced the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in a sample confirmed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
own Kyrgios He has been the first to make public his positive through a statement on his social networks. “I wanted you to know it first from me. I recently tested positive in an anti-doping test in Mallorca for cocaine use. I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility.“acknowledges the Australian, who has had a provisional suspension in force since August 4, 2026.
The tennis player wanted to apologize for what happened. “I apologize to my followers, my family, my sponsors and all the people close to me. Above all, I apologize to the children who follow me. I am aware of the example this sets and I am deeply disappointed in myself“says Kyrgios, who reached number 13 in the world ranking in 2016.
The Australian has the right to appeal the provisional suspension, although he has acknowledged his responsibility and explained the complicated personal moment he is going through. “I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to explain a little bit of the context of where I’ve been. The last two years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally.. “My body has not been able to do what my mind expected of it, and accepting that I am near the end of my career has been more difficult than I ever imagined,” he explains.
The tennis player wanted to make it clear that his circumstances do not justify what happened. “I have always said that I did not choose tennis, but that tennis chose me. But leaving behind something that has been my entire life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face. At times I have felt helpless and alone. None of that justifies what I did.“he emphasizes.
While the suspension lasts, Kyrgios You will not be able to play, train or attend events organized by World Tennis, the ATP, the WTA or the Grand Slams. The Australian hopes to take advantage of this period to reflect. “However, The good news is that this has served as a wake-up call for me.. For the next 28 days, I will stay away from social media and public life while I focus on recovery. I’m sorry. “I will work hard and come back better than before.”he concludes.
