Tennis bad boy Nick Kyrgios tests positive for cocaine, provisionally banned

The Australian took to Instagram to get ahead of the news.

"I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine," read his post.

"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.

"I'm not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I've been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body hasn't been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined.

"I've always said I didn't choose tennis - tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I've ever had to face. At times I've felt helpless and alone.

"None of that excuses what I did. However, the good news is that this has given me a wake-up call. For the next 28 days, I'll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right.

"I'd ask that people respect my privacy during that time, and most importantly the privacy of my family. I'm sorry. I'll do the work and come back better."

The ITIA later confirmed the adverse finding.

"The International Tennis Integrity Agency has provisionally suspended Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme," read their statement.

"31-year-old Kyrgios provided a sample during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, on 22 June 2026. On 17 July 2026, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

"Cocaine is a stimulant and substance of abuse on the WADA Prohibited List and is banned in competition under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. If taken out of competition, reduced sanctions apply for substances of abuse.

"Because of the nature of the substance, a provisional suspension is mandatory and has been in place since 4 August 2026.  

"Kyrgios, who reached a career-high world singles ranking of 13 in October 2016, has the right to appeal the provisional suspension, but has not done so to date.

"As with all Tennis Anti-Doping Programme cases, ITIA support is available to Kyrgios. While suspended, Kyrgios is not allowed to play in, coach at, or attend any events organised or sanctioned by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association."

Having struggled with knee and wrist injuries in recent years, Kyrgios has played just four singles matches this season.

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