Tennis player Nick Kyrgios, sanctioned for consuming cocaine

BarcelonaDoping at the highest level of world tennis. Australian Nick Kyrgios (31 years old) has been suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency for consuming cocaine. He tested positive in an anti-doping control that was carried out on him at the end of June at the Mallorca Open, an ATP 250 category tournament. Kyrgios, known on the circuit for his rebellious character, has taken responsibility in a statement published in an Instagram story.

This is the content of Kyrgios' message: "I recently tested positive for a drug test in Mallorca after being detected with cocaine. I made a huge mistake and take full responsibility. I am sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors, and everyone who loves me. Above all, I am sorry to the children who follow me. I know I am a role model for them and I am deeply disappointed in myself. I will not make excuses, but I want to give some context on how I got here. The last two years of injuries have affected me greatly, both physically and mentally. My body has not allowed me to do what my mind expected me to do, and returning to compete at the level required to be at the top of my career has been harder than I ever imagined. I have always said that I did not choose tennis; tennis chose me. But having to leave behind something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I have faced. At times I have felt desperate and alone. None of these excuses justify what I have done. However, the good news is that this has given me a great opportunity. For the next 28 days I will step away from social media and public life while I focus on recovering and getting myself well. I would ask that people respect my privacy during this time and, above all, my family's privacy".

Descent into hell due to injuries

Kyrgios reached world number 13 ten years ago. However, his best result on the circuit dates from 2023, when he was a finalist in the Wimbledon singles tournament and lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets. His record includes up to seven ATP tournaments. In 2016, he won in Marseille, Tokyo, and Atlanta. In 2018 he won in Brisbane; in 2019 in Washington and Acapulco, and in 2022 again in Washington. In doubles, the Australian won the Grand Slam played in his country in 2022, partnering with his compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis. Lately, Kyrgios had seen his performance decline due to injuries, which is why he had dropped to 919th place in the ATP rankings, with only 25 points.