Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios is officially cleared to resume his professional career starting this Friday, following a ruling from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The announcement, made on Thursday, comes after Kyrgios faced a suspension last month due to a positive cocaine test from June.
The ITIA has stated that Kyrgios accepted a provisional suspension of one month after it was determined that his use of cocaine occurred outside of competition. Initially facing a potential three-month ban, Kyrgios was able to reduce his suspension by agreeing to participate in an ITIA-sanctioned treatment program.
Kyrgios's positive test was linked to a sample he provided while competing at an ATP event in Mallorca, Spain, where he tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Under tennis regulations, cocaine is prohibited during competition, which put Kyrgios at risk of a much harsher penalty, potentially up to four years.
During the investigation, Kyrgios explained to ITIA officials that he had consumed cocaine during a social outing prior to his scheduled match in Mallorca. The agency corroborated his account with an independent scientific expert, who confirmed that the levels of cocaine found in Kyrgios’ sample were consistent with his explanation.
Kyrgios's provisional suspension commenced on August 4, and according to the ITIA, it will officially conclude on Thursday. However, he will forfeit any prize money earned from the Mallorca tournament, where he was eliminated in the Round of 32.
After the ITIA's announcement of his suspension on August 19, Kyrgios took to Instagram to acknowledge the situation, expressing regret for his actions. He referred to his behavior as a “huge mistake” and extended apologies to fans, family, sponsors, and those who look up to him. “I know the example this sets and I'm deeply disappointed in myself,” he stated.
Over the years, Kyrgios has been known for his dynamic playing style and has reached a career-high ranking of No. 13 in the ATP standings back in 2016. However, injuries have plagued his recent seasons, limiting his participation in major tournaments. His last notable Grand Slam appearances were in 2022, and he has been largely sidelined since then. As he prepares to return to the court, many will be watching to see how he performs and whether he can reclaim his previous form.
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