Tennis player Nick Kyrgios provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine
Tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine during the Mallorca Open. Kyrgios, who has struggled with injuries, accepted responsibility for the mistake and is stepping away from public life to focus on his well-being.
Why it matters
The suspension highlights the strict anti-doping regulations in professional sports and the personal challenges faced by high-profile athletes.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Nick Kyrgios has won one and lost three of his four singles matches this year
Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine.
The Australian submitted a sample during the Mallorca Open on 22 June that was later found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
Former world number 13 Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended , external since 4 August.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency said Kyrgios could appeal against the provisional suspension "but has not done so to date".
In a post on Instagram, Kyrgios said he made "a huge mistake" and takes "full responsibility" for it.
Under the suspension, Kyrgios cannot play, coach at or attend Grand Slams or any events sanctioned by the men's and women's tennis tours.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in