Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine. The 31-year-old Australian provided a sample during the ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, on June 22, 2026, which later tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
The positive result was confirmed on July 17 by a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has since imposed the provisional suspension, temporarily preventing Kyrgios from competing.
Nick Kyrgios Suspended From Tennis After Testing Positive for Cocaine
Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine. The Australian’s sample, collected during the Mallorca Open on June 22, was found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency said the former world No. 13 has been suspended since August 4 and has the right to appeal, although he has not done so so far. The suspension prevents him from playing, coaching or attending Grand Slam events and other tournaments sanctioned by the men’s and women’s tours until the tribunal process is completed.
Kyrgios addressed the situation in an Instagram statement, admitting he had made “a huge mistake” and saying he takes “full responsibility” for his actions. The 31-year-old also opened up about the impact of his ongoing knee and wrist problems, which have limited him to just four singles matches this season. “My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do,” he wrote. “Coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined.” He added: “None of that excuses what I did.”
Kyrgios said he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his recovery. He also apologised to those around him, saying: “I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me.” The Australian added: “Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself.” Cocaine is listed as a prohibited stimulant and substance of abuse, although reduced penalties can apply when a positive test occurs outside competition. In Kyrgios’ case, however, the sample was collected during a tournament in which he competed in singles.
Kyrgios’ Controversial Career and Struggles Away From the Court
Nick Kyrgios has frequently found himself at the centre of controversy throughout his tennis career, with his on-court conduct resulting in several significant fines for incidents including racquet smashing, audible obscenities and heated exchanges with officials. His off-court record has also attracted scrutiny, including his admission in 2023 that he assaulted a former girlfriend in 2021, although he avoided a criminal conviction. He has also faced criticism over comments described as misogynistic and for sharing a post by controversial influencer Andrew Tate in 2024, before later saying he had gone “to all lengths” to distance himself from Tate.
Kyrgios has also been outspoken on issues within tennis, including criticising the handling of doping cases involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, which he described as “disgusting” for the sport. Despite the controversies, he has enjoyed considerable success, winning seven ATP singles titles and reaching the 2022 Wimbledon final, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. He also won the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis. Away from tennis, Kyrgios has openly discussed his mental health struggles, revealing that he “genuinely contemplated” suicide and spent time in a psychiatric hospital in London after the 2019 Wimbledon.
