Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios announced on Wednesday that he had tested positive for cocaine and was provisionally banned from tennis. The 31-year-old Australian, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2022 singles final, has only participated in two Grand Slam events since then and currently holds a ranking of 919th due to a series of injuries.
Kyrgios took to social media to disclose the details of the incident, admitting, “I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine,” referencing a tournament in June. He acknowledged his error, stating, “I made a significant mistake and accept full responsibility for it.”
Cocaine is prohibited as a doping substance during competitions, with potential lesser penalties when used outside of events. Kyrgios, who has openly discussed his mental health challenges exacerbated by alcohol and drug usage, expressed the difficulties he faced in confronting the possible conclusion of his tennis career following two years of injuries, saying, “At times I’ve felt helpless and alone. None of that excuses what I did.”
Despite his struggles, Kyrgios was granted a wild card to compete in the Wimbledon doubles event last month but was eliminated in the initial round alongside partner Alexander Bublik.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) will handle the case, confirming that Kyrgios’ sample was collected on June 22, with the positive result confirmed on July 17 after his Wimbledon participation. A mandatory provisional suspension was enforced on August 4, which Kyrgios has not contested, as per the ITIA.