Australia's Kyrgios given one-month ban for 'social' cocaine use

Nick Kyrgios faces a one-month ban for cocaine use deemed to have occurred socially, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The incident took place during a night out prior to an ATP Tour event in Mallorca, Spain, in June. Kyrgios, who had already been provisionally suspended since August 4, voluntarily entered a treatment program approved by the ITIA to shorten the three-month default suspension imposed by WADA.

During his interview with ITIA investigators, Kyrgios explained that his cocaine use had taken place during a social gathering before his scheduled match in Mallorca. An independent expert from a WADA-accredited lab confirmed the explanation aligned with the amount of cocaine detected in his sample. The ITIA accepted Kyrgios' claim that his consumption occurred outside of competition, thus reducing the suspension to one month, pending completion of the program.

Prize money and ranking points earned during the Mallorca event will be forfeited. Kyrgios expressed regret for his failed drug test, acknowledging it as a significant mistake and accepting full responsibility.