Kyrgios gets month ban for cocaine, enters treatment programme

Sydney, Australia - Nick Kyrgios, the 31-year-old tennis player, was granted permission to return to the sport on Friday after accepting a one-month ban for cocaine use and entering a treatment program. Kyrgios, who reached the final at Wimbledon in 2022, tested positive for cocaine during an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) provisionally suspended him on August 4, acknowledging his admission of making a significant error.

The doping agency revealed that Kyrgios explained his cocaine use occurred socially during a night out prior to his Mallorca match. An independent scientific expert at a WADA-accredited laboratory confirmed the consistency of his explanation with the cocaine level detected in his sample. Consequently, the ITIA accepted that Kyrgios' cocaine use transpired outside of competition.

Under WADA rules, a default suspension for such a breach is three months, which can be reduced to one month if the individual commits to a treatment program. Kyrgios has enrolled in a treatment program, and his suspension will conclude on September 3, 2026, provided he completes the program. Prize-money and ranking points from the Mallorca event will be forfeited.

The 31-year-old, known for his powerful serve and ground strokes, has won seven singles titles on the ATP Tour and reached a peak world ranking of 13 in 2016. Kyrgios is currently ranked 918. Despite his natural abilities, his career has been marred by injuries, including a major wrist reconstruction surgery in 2024. Kyrgios expressed remorse following the news of his cocaine use, stating that he made a grave mistake and accepts full responsibility.

He apologized to his fans, family, sponsors, and the young followers who look up to him, acknowledging the negative example he set and expressing deep disappointment in himself.