Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios provisionally suspended after positive cocaine test

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine, with the Australian player publicly accepting responsibility and apologising to his fans, family and sponsors.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the suspension on Wednesday after Kyrgios returned a positive test for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The sample was collected during an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June.

The 31-year-old, who once climbed as high as No. 13 in the ATP rankings, has been under provisional suspension since August 4. A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of the banned substance on July 17.

Nick Kyrgios apologises after failed drug test

Kyrgios addressed the situation himself in a statement posted on Instagram, acknowledging that he had failed a drug test and describing the incident as a serious personal mistake.

He apologised to those around him, particularly young fans who look up to him, while making clear that he was not trying to shift responsibility.

The Australian also said he intends to take time away from social media and public life as he works through the situation.

Injuries and end of career took mental toll

Alongside his apology, Kyrgios offered some insight into the difficult period he has experienced away from the court.

A succession of injuries has significantly limited his playing career in recent years. He said the physical problems had also affected him mentally, particularly as he has begun confronting the possibility that his career may be nearing its end.

Kyrgios has often spoken about the unusual relationship he has had with professional tennis, and he said stepping away from a sport that has defined his life has been particularly difficult.

His comments painted a picture of a player struggling to reconcile what his body can now do with the expectations he still has for himself on the court.

What does the suspension mean for Kyrgios?

The provisional suspension prevents Kyrgios from participating in or attending events organised by the ATP, WTA, Grand Slam tournaments, World Tennis and national tennis associations. He is also barred from coaching at those events while the suspension remains in place.

Kyrgios has not appealed the provisional suspension.

Cocaine is listed by WADA as a stimulant and substance of abuse and is prohibited during competition under the sport's anti-doping regulations.

The latest development comes at a difficult stage of Kyrgios' career. Once regarded as one of tennis' most naturally gifted and unpredictable players, the Australian has struggled to maintain consistent competition because of recurring injuries.

Kyrgios plans to step away from public life

In his statement, Kyrgios said he would spend the next 28 days away from social media and public life, using the time to focus on his wellbeing.

The former Wimbledon finalist ended his message by saying he intended to take responsibility for what happened and return in a better position.

For Kyrgios, the immediate future now extends beyond tennis. His provisional suspension adds another setback to a career already disrupted by injuries, while the player himself says he is determined to use the period away from the sport to address what has gone wrong.