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Cocaine test leads to suspension
Nick Kyrgios was provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine, with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announcing the suspension on Wednesday.
“provisionally suspended from tennis on Wednesday after testing positive for cocaine”
The ITIA said the 31-year-old provided a sample during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June, and that a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, on July 17.
Kyrgios, who reached a career-high rank of 13, said in an Instagram apology, "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," and he added, "I'm sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me."
The suspension has been in place since August 4, and while it lasts Kyrgios cannot play in, coach at, or attend events organised by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association.
Injuries, mental toll, no appeal
In his statement, Kyrgios said he made no excuses but described the mental toll of recent injuries, telling Reuters, "The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally."
He also said he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to "focus on getting myself right," and the ITIA said he has not appealed the provisional suspension.
The New York Times reported that Kyrgios lost his opening match at the Mallorca Championships to countryman Adam Walton in straight sets, placing the doping case alongside his on-court absence.
Sky News said the ITIA announced the suspension after a positive test for a cocaine metabolite, and it quoted Kyrgios saying, "I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine."
Sky Sports added that the ITIA said Kyrgios can appeal but "has not done so to date," while noting the provisional suspension is pending the outcome of a tribunal that will assess his case.
What the ban means next
The ITIA’s provisional suspension keeps Kyrgios out of tennis activity, with Reuters saying he cannot play in, coach at, or attend any events organised by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association.
“faces a two-year ban from tennis”
Kyrgios said he would step away for 28 days, and in his apology he told fans, "I'm sorry. I'll do the work and come back better," while also saying he has not appealed the provisional suspension.
The Telegraph reported that Kyrgios faces a two-year ban from tennis, while also saying the ITIA confirmed an unspecified provisional suspension with its length to be largely determined by whether the substance was taken in or out of competition.
The Guardian reported that under ITIA regulations provisional suspensions are mandatory for positive tests for cocaine, and it quoted Kyrgios writing, "I wanted you to hear this from me first."
The New York Times said the duration of Kyrgios’ ban will depend in part on whether he is found to have deliberately taken the drug and in part on whether the incident happened before the tournament started.
