Nick Kyrgios suspended for one month over cocaine use

Nick Kyrgios will be allowed to return to competition on Friday after accepting a one-month suspension for cocaine use, provided he completes a treatment programme approved by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The Australian was provisionally suspended on 4 August.

Kyrgios tested positive in June during an ATP tournament in Mallorca. Cocaine is classified as a prohibited stimulant by the World Anti-Doping Agency. The ITIA initially considered a three-month ban, but reduced it after Kyrgios agreed to enter the treatment programme. He must also give up €6,570 in prize money and the ATP ranking points he earned in Mallorca.

Kyrgios told investigators that he had taken cocaine at a party on the eve of his opening match in Mallorca. An independent scientific expert judged that explanation consistent with the concentration found in his sample, leading the ITIA to classify the use as out of competition. Kyrgios then lost in straight sets to fellow Australian Adam Walton.

The 31-year-old, a former world No. 13 and Wimbledon finalist, accepted responsibility and described the incident as a major mistake. He also said repeated injuries had affected his mental health, while stressing that this did not excuse his conduct. His most recent appearance came in Wimbledon men’s doubles, where he and Alexander Bublik lost in the first round to Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić.