Tennis

Nick Kyrgios Cleared to Resume Tennis Career Following One-Month Anti-Doping Suspension

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 4, 2026, 08:37 IST

Nick Kyrgios is eligible to return to professional tennis after completing a one-month suspension for a positive cocaine test. The ITIA confirmed the Australian has entered a treatment programme following the incident in Mallorca.

Nick Kyrgios Cleared to Resume Tennis Career Following One-Month Anti-Doping Suspension

Nick Kyrgios has been cleared to return to professional tennis competition after serving a one-month anti-doping suspension. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed on Friday that the 31-year-old is now eligible to compete following his provisional suspension, which was initiated on August 4 after a positive test for cocaine at an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22.

The resolution of the case follows an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the positive sample. According to the ITIA, Kyrgios informed investigators that the substance was consumed socially during a night out prior to his scheduled appearance at the Mallorca tournament. An independent scientific expert from a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory reviewed the findings and determined that the concentration of the substance was consistent with the player's explanation. Consequently, the ITIA accepted that the usage occurred out of competition.

Path to Reinstatement and Career Context

Under standard WADA regulations, a violation of this nature typically carries a three-month suspension. However, the period was reduced to one month after Kyrgios agreed to participate in a treatment programme. The ITIA noted that the suspension concluded on September 3, 2026, contingent upon the successful completion of the mandated programme. As part of the disciplinary measures, the player has forfeited all prize money and ranking points earned during the Mallorca event.

Kyrgios, who once reached a career-high ranking of 13 in 2016, has faced a challenging period in his career marked by persistent physical injuries and limited match play. His most notable achievement remains his run to the 2022 Wimbledon final, where he was defeated by Novak Djokovic. Since then, he has struggled with a series of injuries affecting his right elbow, left wrist, hip, knees, shoulders, and collarbone, including a major reconstruction of his right wrist in 2024. Currently ranked 918th in the world, his most recent competitive appearance was a first-round exit in the men's doubles at Wimbledon this past July.

Following the initial announcement of the positive test, the Australian issued a public apology, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. In a statement posted to social media, he expressed deep disappointment in himself and took full responsibility for the incident, offering apologies to his family, fans, sponsors, and the younger generation of supporters who look up to him.