Nick Kyrgios has consented to a shortened, one‑month suspension under the sport’s anti‑doping regulations after a cocaine positive result was recorded at an ATP event in Mallorca. The Australian star, who had been placed on a provisional suspension on August 4, entered a treatment programme sanctioned by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that allowed him to reduce the standard three‑month ban prescribed by World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) rules. During the ATP tournament in Majorca in June, Kyrgios provided a urine sample that later tested positive for benzoylecgonine, the primary metabolite of cocaine.
Because the substance is prohibited only in‑competition, the ITIA was able to consider the circumstances surrounding its ingestion. In an interview with ITIA investigators, the 31‑year‑old explained that his cocaine use occurred socially during a night out before he was scheduled to compete in Mallorca.
An independent scientific expert from a WADA‑accredited laboratory reviewed the findings and concluded that Kyrgios’ explanation was consistent with the concentration of the drug detected in his sample. Based on that assessment, the ITIA determined that the cocaine use happened outside of competition and accepted Kyrgios’ request for a reduced sanction. Consequently, his suspension is set to conclude on Thursday, provided he completes the agreed‑upon treatment programme.
As part of the penalty, Kyrgios will forfeit any prize money and ranking points earned at the Mallorca event. Kyrgios publicly apologized on social media after the failed test, describing his actions as a "huge mistake" and taking full responsibility. In an Instagram post he wrote, "I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it.
I'm sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I'm sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I'm deeply disappointed in myself." The incident also marked the end of his brief competitive season.
His first‑round loss to fellow Australian Adam Walton in Mallorca was his final singles match of the year, one of only four singles contests he has played this season. The fallout has sparked commentary from fellow players and analysts. Sky Sports tennis commentator Annabel Croft described Kyrgios as a "tormented soul" who may now be on the receiving end of the criticism he once directed at others, such as Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, when they faced doping allegations. Croft said, "He has always struck me as a tormented soul out there, and he is never far from creating headlines.
He seems to do that effortlessly. There is a lot of criticism being thrown at him right now because he was the one firing arrows at other players who had been banned for a certain amount of time. It is now being directed right back at him." Former world No.
40 Ryan Harrison weighed in on the broader implications for Kyrgios’ career, emphasizing the need for balance between the rigors of professional tennis and personal downtime. "It is disappointing," Harrison said.
"Kyrgios has been such an electric player for so long. He is one of those guys you talk about when you mention the 'Big Four'—the next in line that casual fans would point to because of his talent, fearlessness and energy.
The persona sometimes shows up in how he handles pressure, and not always positively. When you are an athlete and train regularly, your life is very structured and regimented. When you stop playing and you are not doing that on a week‑to‑week basis, some players can find it difficult to strike a balance and know, 'When can I go out?' I think Nick needs to find that balance and, while it is disappointing, hopefully for his sake, as he takes time away, he can find happiness off the court and be the best he can be." Cocaine remains a prohibited substance in‑competition, carrying an automatic provisional suspension for any athlete who tests positive.
The ITIA’s decision to accept Kyrgios’ explanation reflects the nuanced approach sometimes taken when the drug use is deemed to have occurred outside of competition and the athlete cooperates with treatment and remediation programs. Looking ahead, the tennis world will watch how Kyrgios reintegrates after his ban ends.
The US Open is set to begin on August 30, with live coverage on Sky Sports, and the Laver Cup will be staged at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also broadcast by Sky Sports. Whether Kyrgios will return to the circuit in time for these events remains uncertain, but his statement of remorse and the completion of his treatment programme suggest a desire to move forward and rebuild his reputation both on and off the court.