Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, during the Mallorca Open.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended following a positive cocaine test
- The sample was submitted during the Mallorca Open on June 22
- The 31-year-old cited severe mental and physical toll from recent injuries
- Kyrgios announced a 28-day break from social media and public life
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been hit with a provisional suspension from professional tennis after returning a positive test for cocaine, sending shockwaves through the sport.
The 31-year-old submitted a sample during the Mallorca Open on June 22, which was subsequently found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The former world number 13 has been officially provisionally suspended since August 4. According to the International Tennis Integrity Agency, Kyrgios has the right to appeal the suspension but has chosen not to do so thus far. Under the terms of the suspension, he is barred from playing, coaching, or attending any Grand Slams or tour-sanctioned events pending a tribunal's final verdict.
Under the World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, substances classified as substances of abuse often carry reduced sanctions if consumed out of competition. However, because Kyrgios provided his sample during an active tournament where he competed in singles matches, his case faces stricter regulatory evaluation and potential career consequences.
In an extensive statement shared via Instagram, Kyrgios opened up about the immense struggles he has faced over the past few years, noting that persistent injuries have taken a severe mental and physical toll. He confessed that coming to terms with the twilight of his career proved far more difficult than anticipated, while explicitly stating that none of these hardships excuse his actions. To address his wellbeing, he confirmed plans to step away from social media and public view for the next 28 days.
"Coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined. None of that excuses what I did."
Nick Kyrgios
The controversial player has featured in only four singles matches this season, heavily hampered by ongoing knee and wrist issues. His most recent appearance on the court came in the men's doubles at Wimbledon alongside partner Alexander Bublik, where the pair exited in the opening round. Throughout his career, Kyrgios has accumulated notable accolades including seven ATP Tour singles titles and reaching the 2022 Wimbledon final, alongside his openness regarding his historical battles with mental health.
Source: BBC Sport
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