Nick Kyrgios Provisionally Suspended After Positive Cocaine Test in Mallorca
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally banned following a positive cocaine test during the Mallorca Open, raising urgent questions about his future in professional tennis.
By Ethan Cole · First published 19 Aug 2026
In brief
- Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine during the Mallorca Open in June 2026.
- The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the suspension, which is a violation of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.
- Kyrgios, ranked 919th in the world, publicly apologized and plans to step away from public life to focus on recovery.
- The ITIA is reviewing his case, and the length of his suspension will depend on whether the cocaine use occurred out of competition.
- The tennis community is awaiting a decision on the duration of his ban, which will impact his future in the sport.
Timeline · 4 moments
Nick Kyrgios reveals positive cocaine test, apologizes
Ta Nea ↗ITIA provisionally suspends Kyrgios for doping violation
Telegraaf ↗ITIA confirms suspension after Mallorca Open test
Proto Thema ↗Kyrgios' ban hinges on proof of out-of-competition use
BBC - Home ↗How it started
Nick Kyrgios, a well-known Australian tennis player, has long been a polarizing figure in the sport. He is famous for his on-court talent and unpredictable behavior, with a career that included a Wimbledon final in 2022 and seven ATP singles titles, according to ABC Australia.
The latest controversy began at the Mallorca Open in June 2026. Kyrgios underwent a routine doping test during the tournament, which later revealed the presence of a cocaine metabolite in his sample, as reported by Proto Thema and Deutsche Welle.
Kyrgios himself broke the news on social media, admitting to the positive test and expressing regret. He apologized to his fans and sponsors, acknowledging he made a significant mistake.
How it unfolded
On August 19, 2026, multiple news outlets reported that Kyrgios had tested positive for cocaine and was provisionally suspended from tennis. Ta Nea noted that the 31-year-old revealed the result and his intention to improve and return stronger.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the suspension, stating it was due to a violation of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme, as reported by Telegraaf and nu.nl. The test was conducted during the ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca.
Kyrgios, ranked 919th in the world at the time, apologized publicly and announced plans to step away from public life to address his issues, according to Franceinfo and Al Jazeera. Media outlets like the BBC and Sydney Morning Herald highlighted concerns about his future in tennis, given his age and his own past comments about not playing into his 30s.
The story quickly became a major topic in the tennis world, with further discussion about the impact on Kyrgios's reputation and the broader conversation around athlete mental health, as noted by Fanpage and El Colombiano.
Where it stands
As of now, Kyrgios is provisionally suspended from all competitive tennis. The ITIA is reviewing the case, and the length of his suspension will depend on whether he can prove the cocaine use occurred out of competition, according to a BBC report on August 20.
Kyrgios has not contested the test result. He remains out of the public eye, focusing on personal recovery. The tennis community is waiting for a decision on the final length of his ban, which will determine if he can return to professional play.
What to watch
The next key development will be the ITIA's ruling on the duration of Kyrgios's suspension. If he can demonstrate that the cocaine use happened outside of competition, the ban could be reduced. Until then, his career remains in limbo, and there is speculation about whether he will attempt a comeback or retire.


