Nick Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended After Positive Cocaine Test at Mallorca Tennis Event!

Reported by Musa Antiketu,| Journalist at Obaland magazine

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine, marking a major setback for the former Wimbledon finalist as he attempts to rebuild his career following years of injuries and limited competition.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that Kyrgios tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, following a sample collected during the ATP 250 event in Mallorca, Spain, on June 22, 2026. The result was subsequently verified by a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory on July 17.

Kyrgios’ provisional suspension took effect on August 4, preventing him from competing in or attending official tennis events while the case remains subject to the sport’s disciplinary process. The Australian has not appealed the provisional suspension and has acknowledged responsibility for the anti-doping violation.

In a statement shared publicly, the 31-year-old tennis player described the incident as a serious mistake and expressed regret to his supporters, family, sponsors and younger fans who regard him as a sporting figure.

Kyrgios also linked the circumstances surrounding his conduct to the difficult period he has experienced physically and emotionally. His career has been disrupted by a succession of injuries, including wrist and knee problems, while his appearances on the professional circuit have become increasingly limited.

The suspension comes at a particularly sensitive stage of Kyrgios’ career. Once regarded as one of the most naturally gifted and entertaining players of his generation, the Australian has struggled to maintain consistent participation at the highest level. He missed the entire 2024 season because of injury and has made only sporadic appearances since returning.

His most recent competitive appearance came in doubles at Wimbledon earlier this year, where he partnered Alexander Bublik.

What the positive test means

Cocaine is classified under the World Anti-Doping Code as a prohibited stimulant in competition. The detection of benzoylecgonine in Kyrgios’ sample therefore triggered the provisional suspension while the relevant authorities address the case.

The provisional nature of the suspension is significant. It does not, by itself, represent the conclusion of the entire disciplinary process. The applicable anti-doping regulations provide procedures through which athletes can respond to allegations and challenge sanctions where permitted.

Kyrgios, however, has indicated that he does not intend to appeal at this stage. He has also announced that he will step away from public life and social media for 28 days, saying he wants to use the period to concentrate on his personal well-being.

The development also carries wider significance for tennis, which has faced renewed public scrutiny over anti-doping enforcement involving prominent players. Kyrgios himself has previously been outspoken about doping cases involving other athletes, making his own positive test an especially notable development within the sport.

For tennis authorities, the case reinforces the importance of consistent anti-doping rules regardless of a player’s profile or standing. For Kyrgios, it represents another difficult chapter in a career that has frequently combined extraordinary talent with controversy and significant physical setbacks.

Kyrgios rose to international prominence with his powerful serve, unconventional playing style and high-profile victories over some of the sport’s leading names. He reached the Wimbledon singles final in 2022, the biggest Grand Slam singles achievement of his career, and established himself as one of tennis’ most recognizable personalities.

His latest suspension now leaves his competitive future uncertain. While he has expressed a desire to return stronger, the outcome of the anti-doping proceedings will determine when and under what conditions he can resume professional competition.

Obaland magazine will continue to follow developments in the case, including any further disciplinary decision from the International Tennis Integrity Agency and any statement from Kyrgios regarding his future in professional tennis.

Sources

• Reuters
• Adelaide Now
• talkSPORT
• The Times of India
• AS

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine at the Mallorca ATP event, with the player accepting responsibility.