Nick Kyrgios, a former world No. 13, has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine.
The sample, collected on 22 June during the Mallorca Open, tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency said the Australian player’s suspension took effect on 4 August. Kyrgios has the right to appeal but has not done so.
In an Instagram post, the Greek-Australian player said he had made a “huge mistake” and took full responsibility for his actions.
Under the rules, he is barred from competing, coaching or attending Grand Slam, ATP or WTA tournaments.
“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who look up to me. I know what kind of example this sets, and I’m very disappointed in myself,” he added.
The 31-year-old has played just four singles matches this season after struggling with knee and wrist injuries in recent years.
His most recent appearance was in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon, where he and Alexander Bublik lost in the first round.
Source: BBC
