Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month suspension from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after testing positive for cocaine during a June tournament in Mallorca, Spain. The 31-year-old Australian athlete, who was provisionally suspended on August 4, is eligible to return to competition this Friday provided he completes a mandatory treatment program, according to the ITIA.
Cocaine Positive and ITIA Ruling
The ITIA announced Thursday that Kyrgios tested positive for cocaine, a substance classified as a stimulant on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list. According to the agency, Kyrgios told investigators that he consumed the drug socially during a night out before his match in Mallorca.
To determine the severity of the sanction, the ITIA consulted an independent scientific expert at a WADA-accredited laboratory. The expert concluded that the levels of cocaine found in the sample were consistent with the player’s explanation, leading the ITIA to accept that the consumption occurred “out-of-competition,” according to an official agency statement.
Suspension Terms and Financial Penalties
Under WADA standards, the typical sanction for such a violation is three months. However, this period can be reduced to one month if the athlete commits to a treatment program approved by the ITIA.
Beyond the suspension, the ITIA has stripped Kyrgios of the following from the Mallorca event:
- All ranking points earned during the tournament.
- Prize money totaling €6,570.
Kyrgios lost his only match at the event in two sets to fellow Australian Adam Walton.
Mental Health and Career Decline
The suspension comes during a period of significant professional decline for the former world No. 13. Since reaching the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios has struggled with fitness and form. According to ATP data, he has played only four singles matches this year and has fallen to world No. 918 in the rankings. His most recent competitive appearance was in the men’s doubles draw at Wimbledon, where he and partner Alexander Bublik lost in the first round to Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić.
Comparison of Sanction Impacts
| Penalty Category | Standard WADA Sanction | Kyrgios’ Final Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension Duration | 3 Months | 1 Month (via treatment program) |
| Financials | Forfeiture of event earnings | Loss of €6,570 |
| Ranking | Forfeiture of event points | Loss of Mallorca ranking points |
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