Tennis Star Kyrgios Banned: Cocaine Metabolite Found in Shocking Test Result
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month suspension from competitive play after testing positive for cocaine during the Mallorca Open. The sanction was reduced due to social use and agreement to a treatment program, allowing him to return immediately. Kyrgios also apologized, citing recent injury struggles and the mental toll of his career.
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month suspension from competitive tennis after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced he tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine. The positive test occurred during the Mallorca Open in June 2026. Initially, Kyrgios faced a mandatory three-month suspension, but this was reduced to one month. This reduction was granted after he demonstrated that the cocaine use happened in a social setting, outside of competition, and agreed to participate in an approved treatment program.
The provisional suspension was backdated to August 4 and concluded on September 3, making the 31-year-old eligible to return to competitive tennis immediately. In addition to the suspension, Kyrgios will forfeit €6,570 in prize money and all ranking points he earned at the Mallorca event as part of the disciplinary sanction.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Kyrgios expressed deep disappointment in himself and offered an apology to his fans, family, sponsors, and supporters, particularly highlighting the children who look up to him. He acknowledged the example this sets and the responsibility he holds.
While not making excuses, the former Wimbledon finalist provided context regarding his recent struggles. He stated that a succession of injuries over the past couple of years has taken a significant toll on him, both physically and mentally. Kyrgios elaborated that his body has been unable to perform to the expectations of his mind, and coming to terms with potentially nearing the end of his career has been more challenging than he anticipated. To focus on his recovery, he also announced a 28-day break from social media.
Kyrgios's most recent competitive appearance before the suspension was at Wimbledon, where he partnered Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik in the men's doubles. The pair were eliminated in the first round by Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić. Having been frequently hampered by injuries in recent seasons, Kyrgios is now cleared to return to competition following the completion of his suspension and the fulfillment of the conditions imposed through the disciplinary process.