Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month ban for cocaine use and completed a treatment program, clearing the way for the Australian to return to competitive tennis, the International Tennis Integrity Agency said Friday.
Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, tested positive for cocaine during an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22.
The 31-year-old was provisionally suspended by the ITIA on Aug. 4 and acknowledged at the time that he had made “a huge mistake.”
According to the ITIA, Kyrgios told investigators that he had used cocaine socially during a night out shortly before competing in Mallorca.
The agency consulted an independent scientific expert at a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory, who determined that Kyrgios’ account was consistent with the concentration of cocaine detected in his sample.
“As a result, the ITIA accepted that Kyrgios’ use of cocaine was outside of competition,” the agency said.
Under WADA rules, the default suspension for a breach of this type is three months, but it can be reduced to one month if an athlete commits to a treatment program.
“Kyrgios has entered into a treatment program,” the ITIA said.
“As such, the player’s suspension will end on Sept. 3, 2026, subject to completion of the program. Prize money and ranking points from the Mallorca event will be forfeited.”
Boasting a big serve and booming groundstrokes, Kyrgios was one of tennis’ most dynamic players when at the top of his game.
He has won seven singles titles on the ATP Tour and reached a career-high ranking of No. 13 in the world in 2016.
At Wimbledon in 2022, he reached the championship match before losing in four sets to Novak Djokovic.
Despite his natural talent, that was as good as it got for Kyrgios, whose career has been hampered by injuries, including problems with his right elbow, left wrist, hip, knees, shoulders and collarbone.
He has undergone numerous surgeries, including a complete reconstruction of his right wrist in 2024, and is now ranked No. 918 in the world.
The Australian has barely played in recent years. His most recent appearance came as a wildcard entry in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon in July, when he and partner Alexander Bublik lost in the first round.
Kyrgios, who has previously hinted at retirement, was contrite when news of his cocaine use emerged last month.
“I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine,” he posted on Instagram at the time. “I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it.
“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me.
“I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself.”
