An Australian tennis player has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine

The world of tennis received a new blow with the provisional suspension of Nick Kyrgios. The Australian tested positive in a doping control conducted during the ATP in Mallorca and, since August 4, 2026, has been temporarily barred from participating in official activities related to the circuit.

The sample that initiated the procedure was obtained on June 22, during the tournament held in Spain. Subsequently, a laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed on July 17 the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

The information was communicated by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which noted that the substance is prohibited during competition under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program.

Nick Kyrgios acknowledged the use and took responsibility

Before the ITIA made the resolution public, Kyrgios used his social media to refer to the case and acknowledged having committed an infraction.

“I recently tested positive in a doping control in Mallorca for cocaine use. I made a serious mistake and take full responsibility for it,” stated the Australian player.

The statement came before the official announcement of the provisional suspension and constitutes the first public acknowledgment by the tennis player regarding the analysis result.

What the provisional suspension of Kyrgios implies

While the measure remains in effect, the Australian will not be able to engage in any official activity related to professional tennis.

According to the ITIA, Kyrgios cannot compete, train, or participate in events organized or authorized by World Tennis, the ATP, the WTA, Grand Slam tournaments, or national federations.

The agency also explained the particularity of cocaine within the anti-doping rules. The substance is included by WADA among stimulants and so-called substances of abuse.

In this regard, the organization clarified that “if consumed out of competition, reduced sanctions apply for substances of abuse.”