Nick Kyrgios provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine during an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22. The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the finding on July 17, 2026. Kyrgios responded on Wednesday, admitting fault and apologising to his fans, family and sponsors.

Why was Nick Kyrgios suspended?

The International Tennis Integrity Agency provisionally suspended Kyrgios after a WADA-accredited laboratory confirmed benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, in his sample. He had provided the sample while competing at an ATP 250 event in Mallorca on June 22, 2026. The suspension follows the agency's standard anti-doping process for a confirmed positive result.

What did Nick Kyrgios say about the positive test?

Kyrgios took to Instagram to address the result directly, writing that he took "full responsibility" for what happened. He called it "a huge mistake" and apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and everyone close to him. He added that he was especially sorry to the children who follow him, saying he understood the example it set and was "deeply disappointed" in himself.

What has Nick Kyrgios achieved in his tennis career?

Known for his big serve and powerful ground strokes, Kyrgios has won seven ATP Tour singles titles and once reached a career-high ranking of 13 in the world, in 2016.

His best result came at Wimbledon in 2022, where he reached the final before losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets. He is also among the small group of players to have beaten all of the "Big Four": Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

How have injuries affected Nick Kyrgios's career?

Despite his talent, a long list of injuries has limited how far Kyrgios could take his career. He has suffered serious damage to his right elbow, left wrist, hip, knees, shoulders and collarbone, requiring numerous surgeries. The most significant was a full reconstruction of his right wrist in 2024, and he is now ranked 919 after barely competing in singles in recent years.

On Wednesday, Kyrgios said the injuries had taken "a huge toll" on him, both physically and mentally. In January, he had already admitted he would never return to the level he once played at.