Nick Kyrgios
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine.
The former world No. 13 provided a sample during the Mallorca Open on June 22, which was later found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that Kyrgios has been suspended since August 4.
The 31-year-old has the right to appeal the provisional suspension but has not done so.
Kyrgios admitted the violation in a statement on Instagram, describing it as a “huge mistake” and saying he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.
The suspension prevents him from competing in, coaching at or attending Grand Slam tournaments and other events sanctioned by the ATP and WTA tours while the case is pending before a tribunal.
Kyrgios could face a maximum four-year ban if found guilty. However, if he can establish that the cocaine was consumed outside a period of competition, the maximum penalty could be reduced to three months.
The Australian has featured in only four singles matches this season as he continues to struggle with knee and wrist injuries.
His most recent appearance came in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon, where he partnered Alexander Bublik but suffered a first-round defeat.