Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Nick Kyrgios tested positive for cocaine and received a provisional suspension from tennis, the International Tennis Integrity Agency announced Wednesday.
Kyrgios also addressed the ban Wednesday on Instagram. The Australian said he takes "full responsibility for" the "huge mistake" and apologized to his family, fans and sponsors.
"Above all, I'm sorry to the kids who follow me," Kyrgios wrote on the social media platform. "I know the example this sets and I'm deeply disappointed in myself."
The ITIA said Kyrgios provided the positive test sample on June 22 at the Mallorca Championships in Mallorca, Spain. A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory discovered the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. Cocaine is on the WADA prohibited list.
Kyrgios' suspension, which he can appeal, has been in place since Aug. 4. He is not allowed to play in, coach at or attend any events organized or sanctioned by World Tennis, the ATP, WTA or any national association -- or at Grand Slams -- during the ban.
Nick Kyrgios advanced the the Wimbledon 2022 men's singles final, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPIKyrgios, 31, cited physical and mental tolls from injuries in response to his ban.
"I'm not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I've been," Kyrgios wrote. "The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body hasn't been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined.
Australian Nick Kyrgios is the No. 919 player in the ATP singles rankings. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI"I've always said I didn't choose tennis -- tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I've ever had to face. At times I've felt helpless and alone.
"None of that excuses what I did."
Australian Nick Kyrgios can appeal his provisional suspension. File Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPIKyrgios sits at No. 919 in the ATP Tour singles rankings. The former world No. 13 owns seven career singles titles and is a one-time Grand Slam finalist.
He owns a 2-1 career record against Serbian star Novak Djokovic, with his lone loss coming in the Wimbledon 2022 finale.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia owns seven career singles titles. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPIKyrgios hasn't played since a round of 32 loss to Adam Walton on June 22 in Mallorca. He said he plans to step away from social media and public life for 28 days to "focus on getting myself right."
"I'm sorry," Kyrgios wrote. "I'll do the work and come back better."
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