Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test

Nick Kyrgios, a former world number 13, has been provisionally suspended from tennis following a positive cocaine test. This occurred during the Mallorca Open on June 22nd, when his sample tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency informed Kyrgios that he could appeal the provisional suspension, though he has not done so so far.

In an Instagram post, Kyrgios admitted to making a "huge mistake" and taking full responsibility for his actions. Under the suspension, Kyrgios is barred from playing, coaching, or attending any events sanctioned by men's and women's tennis tours until the outcome of a tribunal. The ban could last up to four years, but if Kyrgios can prove that he ingested the drug outside of a competition, the maximum ban he could face is three months.

The 31-year-old has played only four singles matches this season, as he has been dealing with knee and wrist injuries in recent years. In a detailed Instagram statement, Kyrgios explained that the constant injuries have taken a "huge toll on me, both mentally and physically," and that coming to terms with being near the end of his career has been more challenging than he initially imagined.

Kyrgios stated that he would be stepping away from social media and public life for the next 28 days to concentrate on "getting myself right." As a stimulant and substance of abuse, cocaine is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list. Athletes who test positive for the substance outside of competition face reduced sanctions.