Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine. The 31-year-old Australian admitted to a 'big mistake' in a public apology.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the suspension on Wednesday (15 January) after a sample taken at the ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The sample was confirmed by a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory on 17 July.
Kyrgios, whose career-high ranking is world number 13, has been provisionally suspended since 4 August.
On his Instagram account, Kyrgios wrote: 'Recently I failed a doping test at Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a big mistake and I take full responsibility for it.'
'I apologize to my fans, my family, my sponsors, and everyone close to me. Most of all, I apologize to the kids who look up to me. I know what this example sets, and I am extremely disappointed in myself.'
Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and a substance of abuse on WADA's prohibited list and is banned in competition under tennis anti-doping rules.
Kyrgios did not offer an excuse but revealed he has been struggling with the end of his career and the mental strain of recent injuries.
'I want to be clear about the context of where I have been. The last few years with injuries have worn me down both physically and mentally,' he added.
'My body cannot do what my mind expects, and accepting that my career is ending has been much harder than I imagined.'
'I have always said I didn't choose tennis – tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I have ever faced. There were times I felt helpless and alone.'
During his suspension, Kyrgios is barred from playing, coaching, or attending any events organized by the WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, or national associations.
The Australian did not appeal the provisional suspension and said he would step away from social media and public life for 28 days to 'focus on renewing himself'.
'I am sorry. I will work hard and come back better,' he concluded.
