Nick Kyrgios fails drugs test for cocaine: ‘I made a huge mistake’

Nick Kyrgios has admitted that he made a “huge mistake” after testing positive for cocaine.

The Australian tennis player recently failed a drugs test in Mallorca and has been provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

“I wanted you to hear this from me first. I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine,” Kyrgios posted on Instagram.

“I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it.“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself."

The 31-year-old submitted a sample during the Mallorca Open on 22 June that was later found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. He has been serving a provisional ban since 4 August, with the ITIA confirming that Kyrgios is yet to appeal against the suspension.

Kyrgios has played just four singles matches this season having struggled with injury over the last few years.

He last featured on court at Wimbledon, losing in the first round of the men’s doubles alongside partner Alexander Bublik. The Australian reached the singles final of the grass-court grand slam in 2022.

“I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I’ve been,” Kyrgios’ social media post continued. “The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined.

“I’ve 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’ve ever had to face. At times I’ve felt helpless and alone.

“None of that excuses what I did.

“However, the good news is that this has given me a wake up call. For the next 28 days, I’ll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right.

“I’d ask that people respect my privacy during that time, and most importantly the privacy of my family.

“I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better.”

Under the terms of his suspension, Kyrgios is unable play, coach at or attend any events sanctioned by the men’s and women’s tennis tours pending the outcome of a tribunal that will assess his case.

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