Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended After Testing Positive For Cocaine

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has confirmed.

Kyrgios provided a sample during the Mallorca Open on June 22 which was found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

The 31-year-old has been provisionally suspended since August 4 and is prohibited from playing, coaching at or attending Grand Slam tournaments and other events sanctioned by the men’s and women’s tennis tours while the case is being considered by a tribunal.

The ITIA said Kyrgios has the right to appeal against the provisional suspension but “has not done so to date”.

In a statement posted on Instagram, the former world number 13 admitted making “a huge mistake” and said he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.

Kyrgios could face a ban of up to four years if found guilty of an anti-doping violation. However, if he can establish that the substance was taken outside a competition period, the maximum suspension could be reduced to three months.

The Australian has endured a difficult period on the court, having been restricted to just four singles matches this season amid recurring knee and wrist injuries.

His most recent appearance came in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon, where he partnered Alexander Bublik. The pair were eliminated in the first round.

Kyrgios’ case will now be determined through the applicable anti-doping process.