Former Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios made a public statement on Wednesday disclosing his positive drug test for cocaine, resulting in his temporary suspension from professional tennis. The 31-year-old Australian, who faced Novak Djokovic in the 2022 singles final, has participated in only two Grand Slam tournaments following multiple injury setbacks, currently holding the 919th ranking position.
Kyrgios shared the details of his drug test failure on social media, acknowledging his error and assuming full accountability for the situation. Cocaine is prohibited as a performance-enhancing substance in competitive sports, with varying penalties depending on whether the substance was used during or outside of official events.
The tennis player has openly discussed his mental health challenges in the past, exacerbated by alcohol and drug issues. Coping with the realization of nearing the conclusion of his athletic career after enduring two years of physical setbacks has been a challenging journey for Kyrgios.
Accepting a doubles wild card entry at Wimbledon recently, Kyrgios, alongside partner Alexander Bublik, exited in the initial round of the tournament. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) is set to handle the case, confirming that Kyrgios’ sample was collected on June 22, with the positive results confirmed on July 17, post his Wimbledon appearance.
Following the confirmation of the positive drug test, a mandatory provisional suspension was enforced on August 4, which Kyrgios has not contested as per the ITIA’s statement.