Nick Kyrgios suspended for one month after cocaine use in competition.

Nick Kyrgios faces a decisive moment in his career following the confirmation of his suspension for cocaine use. The Australian tennis player, who reached his career-high ranking of 13th in October 2016, has accepted a one-month suspension imposed by the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) due to a positive test during an ATP Tour event in Mallorca in June 2026. The provisional suspension, which has been in effect since August 4, 2026, was the result of a violation of anti-doping regulations.

Kyrgios explained that his cocaine use occurred during a night out before a match in Mallorca. The ITIA communicated with a WADA-accredited laboratory, which confirmed that the explanation provided by Kyrgios aligned with the levels found in his sample, leading to the acceptance that the use occurred out of competition. Although the standard suspension is three months, this was reduced to one month due to his adherence to a treatment program approved by the ITIA, with the suspension ending on September 3, 2026, subject to the completion of the program.

In an act of transparency, Kyrgios published a statement on Instagram where he took full responsibility for his mistake. “I want you to hear this from me first. I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a big mistake and I take full responsibility for it,” he stated. The player expressed his regret, addressing fans, family, and sponsors, and apologized especially to the children who look up to him.

Kyrgios also reflected on the challenges he has faced in recent years, including injuries that have affected both his physical and mental condition. He acknowledged that dealing with the approach of the end of his career has been a difficult struggle. “At times, I felt hopeless and alone,” he confessed. However, he emphasized that this situation served as a wake-up call for change, announcing his decision to step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his recovery.

The acceptance of the suspension and the treatment program could be a crucial turning point for Kyrgios, who has been grappling with personal and professional issues. The impact of this decision on his career and his ability to return to compete at the highest level will be closely monitored by fans and tennis experts.