Nick Kyrgios suspended from playing tennis after testing positive for cocaine

Nick Kyrgios’ career takes a turn for the worse after the tennis star earned a provisional suspension. This came after he tested positive for cocaine.

Few tennis players have burst onto the scene quite like Nick Kyrgios did. As a 19-year-old, Kyrgios shocked the tennis world when he defeated then No. 1 Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.

Kyrgios’ career since has not quite lived up to the hype. He has dealt with serious injuries as well as mental health struggles. He hasn’t helped himself with some of his on-court controversies either.

The Australian made it all the way to the Wimbledon final in 2022. However, he has also picked up fines and suspensions for poor behaviour on the court regularly. His latest transgression might be his biggest, though.

Nick Kyrgios’ suspension from the ITIA could last three months or four years

Kyrgios provided a sample for drug testing during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca in June. News broke on Wednesday that this sample had tested positive for cocaine.

His suspension was announced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency or the ITIA.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has provisionally suspended Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme,” their statement reads.

“31-year-old Kyrgios provided a sample during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, on 22 June 2026. On 17 July 2026, a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

“Cocaine is a stimulant and substance of abuse on the WADA Prohibited List and is banned in competition under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. If taken out of competition, reduced sanctions apply for substances of abuse.”

If Kyrgios can prove the substance was consumed out of the context of competition, his suspension could last for three months or less. Otherwise, it could also be up to four years.

This situation could be described as ‘rock bottom’ in terms of Kyrgios’ career. Coming back from this will take a lot of strength and perseverance. Only time will tell if he can manage it.

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