Why positive cocaine test could mean end of Kyrgios' career
Tennis player Nick Kyrgios faces a potential four-year ban after testing positive for a cocaine metabolite at the Mallorca Open. The suspension comes as the athlete struggles with ongoing injuries and questions about the future of his career.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of professional sports, anti-doping regulations, and the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Nick Kyrgios has won seven ATP Tour singles titles
Tennis correspondent Published 39 minutes ago Nick Kyrgios once said there was "zero chance" he would be playing tennis into his 30s.
But it was at the age of 31, while attempting another comeback from serious knee and wrist injuries, that he tested positive for a metabolite of cocaine at June's Mallorca Open.
In a post on social media, Kyrgios said it was a "huge mistake" for which he takes full responsibility.
But he added that recent injuries - he has only played eight tournaments and won two matches since the start of 2023 - have taken a huge toll on him.
"Coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined," he added.
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