By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw

The controversial Australian tennis player, Nick Kyrgios, who is 31 years old, has tested positive for cocaine and been provisionally suspended, with effect from 4 August 2026.

This follows his submission, on 22 June 2026, during the Mallorca Open, of a sample, which was subsequently found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency stated that Kyrgios could appeal against his provisional suspension, but, to date, he has not done so.

As a result of his suspension, Kyrgios is not allowed to play, coach at or attend Grand Slams or any events sanctioned by the men's and women's tennis tours pending the outcome of a tribunal hearing of his case.

Kyrgios, who has suffered knee and wrist injuries in recent years, stated that he had made "a huge mistake" and takes "full responsibility" for it.

Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.