Nick Kyrgios could make a comeback after the anti-doping body reduced his cocaine ban by a month

Nick Kyrgios has been cleared to return to competitive tennis after the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that his cocaine use took place outside of competition. The Australian can play again from September 4 after serving a reduced one-month ban.

According to ITIA, Kyrgios tested positive for benzoylecgoninea metabolite of cocaine, after providing a sample at the ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June. He was suspended on August 4 and initially faced a three-month ban, but the sentence was reduced after he agreed to enter an approved treatment program.

The 31-year-old told investigators that he had taken cocaine socially during a night out in Mallorca a few days before the competition. An independent scientific expert from a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory found that his explanation was consistent with the level of cocaine found in his sample, leading the ITIA to accept that the use had occurred out of competition.

Kyrgios previously described the failed test as a “huge mistake” and a “wake-up call”. He also apologized to his family, fans, sponsors and young supporters, in assuming responsibility for the breach and said he’s focused on getting better.

WHY WAS KYRGIOS BAN SHORTENED?

Under the anti-doping regulations, an out-of-competition cocaine violation carries a standard three-month suspension. This can be reduced to one month if the player commits to a treatment program approved by the ITIA, which Kyrgios has agreed to.

The Australian also lost the €6,570 he earned in Mallorca, where he lost to Australia’s Adam Walton in the opening round. His suspension prevented him from playing, training or participating in men’s and women’s sanctioned tournaments as well as national level events in Australia.

Kyrgios did not challenge his temporary suspension and instead accepted the sanction while entering a treatment program. The ITIA said the positive test was confirmed by a WADA-accredited laboratory on July 17.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR KYRGIO?

Kyrgios’ return comes after another injury-plagued spell in which his playing time was severely limited. Knee and wrist problems have required surgery, while he has played limited tournaments in each of the past two seasons.

The former world number 13 last appeared in the men’s doubles at Wimbledon on July 2, losing in the first round to Alexander Bublik. He also struggled to maintain a regular singles schedule, so the return date was an important point in his attempt to rebuild his career.

The Australian’s only Grand Slam singles final came at Wimbledon in 2022 when he lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets. Since then, he has spent most of his time away from the tour and his return will now depend not only on his fitness but also on his fitness and ability to regain match fitness.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

04 Sep 2026 06:43 IST