Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been handed a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine, reports infohub.kz.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has issued its verdict in the case of the Australian. According to the decision, the athlete is barred from competition for one month.
The ITIA explained that Kyrgios accepted the suspension in accordance with anti-doping rules. Cocaine use during competition carries a provisional suspension, which began on August 4, 2026. During the proceedings, the tennis player explained that he had taken the drug in the company of friends before his performance in Spain.
The organization also detailed how the athlete could have challenged the decision. The ITIA consulted an independent scientific expert from a WADA-accredited laboratory. The specialist confirmed that Kyrgios's explanation was consistent with the level of cocaine found in his sample. As a result, the ITIA accepted that the use occurred out of competition.
Under WADA rules, the standard suspension for such a violation is three months, but it can be reduced to one month if the athlete completes a treatment program approved by the ITIA. Kyrgios underwent such a program, so his suspension will end on September 3, 2026. Prize money and ranking points earned at the tournament in Spain will be forfeited.
The 31-year-old Kyrgios, who reached a career-high of 13th in the world singles rankings in October 2016, tested positive for cocaine at a tournament in Spain in June 2026. The player himself admitted his mistake and publicly took responsibility for his actions.