Nick Kyrgios has been cleared to return to competitive tennis after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that his cocaine use took place outside competition. The Australian is eligible to play again from September 4 after serving a reduced one-month suspension.
According to the ITIA, Kyrgios tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, after providing a sample at an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June. He was provisionally suspended on August 4 and initially faced a three-month ban, but the punishment was reduced after he agreed to enter an approved treatment programme.
The 31-year-old told investigators that he had used cocaine socially during a night out several days before competing in Mallorca. An independent scientific expert from a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory found his explanation consistent with the level of cocaine detected in his sample, leading the ITIA to accept that the use occurred outside competition.
Kyrgios had earlier described the failed test as a “huge mistake” and a “wake-up call”. He also apologised to his family, fans, sponsors and young supporters, while taking responsibility for the violation and saying he would focus on getting himself right.
WHY WAS KYRGIOS’ BAN CUT SHORT?
Under anti-doping regulations, an out-of-competition cocaine violation carries a standard three-month suspension. That can be reduced to one month if the player commits to an ITIA-approved treatment programme, which Kyrgios agreed to do.
The Australian has also forfeited the 6,570 euros he earned in Mallorca, where he lost in the opening round to fellow Australian Adam Walton. His suspension prevented him from playing, coaching or attending tournaments sanctioned by the men’s and women’s tours as well as national-level events in Australia.
Kyrgios did not challenge his provisional suspension and instead accepted the sanction while entering the treatment programme. The ITIA said the positive test was confirmed by a WADA-accredited laboratory on July 17.
WHAT NEXT FOR KYRGIOS?
Kyrgios’ return comes after another injury-hit period in which his playing time has been severely restricted. Knee and wrist problems have required surgery, while he has played only a limited number of tournaments in each of the past two seasons.
The former world No. 13 last appeared in men’s doubles at Wimbledon on July 2, when he and Alexander Bublik lost in the first round. He has also struggled to maintain a regular singles schedule, making his return date an important point in his attempt to rebuild his career.
The Australian’s only Grand Slam singles final came at Wimbledon in 2022, when he lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets. He has since spent much of his time away from the tour, and his return will now depend not only on his eligibility but also on his physical condition and ability to regain match fitness.
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