Kyrgios is suspended after testing positive for cocaine

The Australian Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from the circuit after testing positive for cocaine in a control conducted last July at the Mallorca tournament. This was announced by the ITIA this morning, and as of August 4, Kyrgios will not be able to compete again while awaiting his final sanction in the coming weeks. The tennis player has been able to appeal but has rejected that option.

The impact of the news in the world of tennis has been immediate, as Kyrgios is a well-known and influential player, despite having been out of the spotlight for several years due to injuries and his limited presence in tournaments. One of his last public appearances was at the Battle of the Sexes with Aryna Sabalenka last December. This year, he has only played four ATP matches with just one victory.

Kyrgios apologizes in a statement after testing positive for cocaine

"I wanted you to hear this directly from me.

I recently tested positive in a drug test in Mallorca for cocaine. I made a serious mistake and I take full responsibility for it.

I apologize to my fans, my family, my sponsors, and all the people close to me. Above all, I apologize to the children who look up to me. I know the example this sets, and I am deeply disappointed in myself.

I will not make excuses, but I want to provide some context regarding the situation I was in. The last two years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body has not been able to do what my mind expected of it, and accepting that I am nearing the end of my career has been more difficult than I ever imagined.

I have always said that I did not choose tennis; tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I have faced. At times, I have felt helpless and alone.

None of this justifies what I did.

However, the good news is that this has served as a wake-up call for me. For the next 28 days, I will step away from social media and public life while I focus on recovering and getting better.

I would ask everyone to respect my privacy during this time and, above all, the privacy of my family.

I’m sorry. I will do the necessary work and return better.

Nick"

Kyrgios has always spoken about wanting to be an example for many children, as he was a kid who suffered bullying in school when he was young, which makes it surprising that such news has come to light while he is still an active player, even though he hardly participates in the circuit anymore. We all had it in our minds that sooner or later he would take a step back and that it wouldn't be long before he set up his farewell tournament, possibly the next Australian Open as the chosen one, but this news changes everything completely.

Awaiting the final sanction, which could be quite severe depending on the amount found in his body, the Australian will not be able to attend any events or train in places organized by the now World Tennis (formerly ITF), ATP or WTA, or Grand Slams. He states in his statement that he will take a month off from social media to avoid reading anything and that he will try to return better than before.
 

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Kyrgios es suspendido tras dar positivo por cocaína