Former Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios announced his positive cocaine test result, leading to his temporary suspension from tennis. The 31-year-old Australian, who finished as the runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 singles final, has participated in only two Grand Slam tournaments since then. Following a string of injuries, he currently holds the 919th rank in the tennis world.
Kyrgios took to social media to disclose the details of his drug test failure in Mallorca, where he tested positive for cocaine during a lower-tier tournament in June. Expressing regret, he admitted to his error, stating, “I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine.”
Competing in tournaments while under the influence of cocaine is prohibited, with varying penalties based on the circumstances of use. The tennis star has faced well-documented mental health challenges, exacerbated by his history of alcohol and drug misuse. Reflecting on his struggles and the realization that his career is nearing its end due to prolonged injuries, Kyrgios acknowledged, “At times I’ve felt helpless and alone. None of that excuses what I did.”
Kyrgios recently received a wild card to participate in the Wimbledon doubles event, where he and his partner, Alexander Bublik, were eliminated in the initial round. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) will oversee the case, revealing that Kyrgios’ sample was collected on June 22, with the positive cocaine test confirmed on July 17 post his Wimbledon appearance.
A mandatory provisional suspension was imposed on August 4, unchallenged by Kyrgios as confirmed by the ITIA.