Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after returning a positive test for cocaine.
The Australian was tested on 22 June during the Mallorca Open, with the sample later found to contain benzoylecgonine, a substance produced when cocaine is broken down in the body.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) imposed the provisional suspension on 4 August. The governing body said Kyrgios has the right to challenge the decision, although he had not appealed against it at the time of its announcement.
KYRGIOS RESPONDS
Kyrgios acknowledged the positive test in a post on Instagram, admitting that he had made a huge mistake and saying he accepts full responsibility for his actions. The Australian said that the last couple of years took a toll on him mentally and physically.
Kyrgios said that the suspension is a much-needed wake up call for him and he will be stepping away from social media and public life to get his life straight.
“I wanted you to hear this from me first. From creating a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. 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.”
“I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I’ve been. 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,” read the statement from Kyrgios on Instagram.
The suspension means the former world No. 13 is barred from competing in, coaching at or attending Grand Slam tournaments and other events conducted under the men’s and women’s professional tours.
Kyrgios, 31, has made only four singles appearances this season as he continues to work his way back from persistent knee and wrist problems. His most recent competitive outing came at Wimbledon, where he featured in the men’s doubles alongside Alexander Bublik. The pair were eliminated in the opening round.
– Ends
