‘I made a huge mistake’: Kyrgios apologises after testing positive for cocaine

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios expressed remorse after testing positive for cocaine, admitting it was a "huge mistake." The 31-year-old, who reached the finals of Wimbledon in 2022, was suspended after a positive doping test during an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, in a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory on July 17.

Kyrgios took full responsibility on Instagram, apologizing to fans, family, sponsors, and the young fans who look up to him. He acknowledged the example this sets and expressed deep disappointment in himself. Despite his talent, Kyrgios' career has been marred by injuries and suspensions. He has won seven singles titles on the ATP Tour and was ranked as high as 13 in 2016, but his best performance was losing to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final in 2022.

Injuries have taken a toll on him, both physically and mentally, and he has undergone numerous surgeries, including a wrist reconstruction in 2024. Kyrgios admitted that the injuries have been a significant struggle and that letting go of tennis, which has been his life, has been one of the hardest things he's faced. He emphasized that his failed test does not excuse his actions, but it has served as a wake-up call.

He vowed to do the necessary work and come back better. The suspension has been in place since August 4, and while Kyrgios is not allowed to play, coach, or attend events sanctioned by the ATP, WTA, ITF, Grand Slams, or national associations during this time.