Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test

What the report says

Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after a sample he submitted at the Mallorca Open on June 22 was reported to contain benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, according to the source material cited by Nile Post from BBC Sport. The International Tennis Integrity Agency said the former world number 13 could appeal the suspension, but had not done so at the time referenced in the report.

The suspension means Kyrgios cannot compete, coach at, or attend Grand Slams or other events run by the men’s and women’s tours while the case is pending before a tribunal. The article says he was notified of the provisional ban on August 4. It also notes that the sample was taken during a tournament in which Kyrgios played singles and lost in the first round to Adam Walton.

In an Instagram post quoted by the source, Kyrgios said he made a serious mistake and accepted responsibility. He also said the past few years of injuries had taken a heavy physical and mental toll, and that he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on recovery. The article adds that he has played only four singles matches this season and has battled knee and wrist problems.

Cocaine is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list, with some reduced sanctions available when a positive test comes from out-of-competition use. Because Kyrgios’ test came during a tournament, the case carries greater significance for the sport’s anti-doping rules and for a player who has often been in the spotlight for on-court controversy and injury setbacks.