Nick Kyrgios, the 31-year-old Australian tennis player, has been provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme after testing positive for a metabolite of cocaine during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, on 22 June 2025. The suspension has been in effect since 4 August, the ITIA confirmed.

How the Positive Test Was Confirmed

Kyrgios provided a sample during the Mallorca event, and on 17 July, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Cocaine is classified as both a stimulant and a substance of abuse on the WADA Prohibited List and is banned in competition under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.

Notably, reduced sanctions can apply for substances of abuse when an athlete tests positive out of competition — a provision that may be relevant to Kyrgios's case as proceedings unfold.

What the ITIA Said

'Because of the nature of the substance, a provisional suspension is mandatory and has been in place since August 4. Kyrgios has the right to appeal the provisional suspension but has not done so to date,' the ITIA stated. As a consequence of the ban, Kyrgios is barred from playing in, coaching at, or attending any events organised or sanctioned by World Tennis, the WTA, the ATP, the Grand Slams, or any national association.

Kyrgios Breaks Silence, Takes Full Responsibility

In a statement released on Instagram, Kyrgios accepted full responsibility for the violation and offered an apology to his supporters, family, and sponsors. '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,' he wrote.

The Australian pointed to the psychological weight of persistent injuries as context — without using it as an excuse. '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,' he said. He added that the episode had served as a 'wake-up call' and announced he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his recovery.

A Career Marked by Highs and Setbacks

Kyrgios reached a career-high singles ranking of 13 in October 2016 and has won seven ATP Tour singles titles. He reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, losing in four sets to Novak Djokovic, and won the Australian Open men's doubles title that same year alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis. This season, however, he has played just four singles matches, hampered by persistent knee and wrist injuries. His most recent appearance came in the men's doubles at Wimbledon, where he and partner Alexander Bublik lost in the first round.

This is one of the most high-profile doping cases to hit the tennis circuit in recent years, and the outcome of any formal hearing will be closely watched across the sport. The ITIA has not yet indicated a timeline for resolution of the case.