NICK KYRGIOS ACCEPTS ONE-MONTH TENNIS SUSPENSION FOR 'SOCIAL' COCAINE USE

Kyrgios has agreed to attend a treatment programme after the ITIA found he had use cocaine ‘during a night out’, which was therefore considered to be outside of competition

Nick Kyrgios has served a one-month ban, but is now free to return to tennis (Reuters)

Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said.

The Australian, 31, failed a drugs test during an ATP Tour event in Mallorca in June 2026. The former Wimbledon finalist was provisionally suspended last month.

The ITIA said Kyrgios had agreed to attend a treatment programme approved by the ITIA, which has lowered Kyrgios’ suspension from three months to one month.

As a result, Kyrgios’ suspension is already over, as the ITIA said his provisional ban began on 4 August 2026 and ended on 3 September 2026.

The ITIA said Kyrgios’ explanatation that he had used cocaine “socially during a night out” was “consistent with the level of cocaine found in his sample”.

As a result, the ITIA accepted his use of cocaine was outside of competition and subject to a lighter penalty.

After his provisional suspension was announced last month, Kyrgios said he had made “a huge mistake”.

He wrote on Instagram: “I wanted you to hear this from me first. I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine.

“I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it. I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me. Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me.

“I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself.”

His first-round loss to fellow Australian Adam Walton in Majorca was his last competitive singles outing and one of only four singles matches he has played this season.

Kyrgios’ career has been blighted by knee and wrist problems since his run to the Wimbledon showpiece in 2022 and his ranking has slipped to 919 in the world.

He said he would not make “excuses” for the positive test but cited the toll of his physical issues.

“My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined,” he said.

“At times I’ve felt hopeless and alone. However, the good news is that this has given me a wake-up call.”

Kyrgios added he would be taking a 28-day break from social media to focus on “getting myself right”, concluding: “I’m sorry, I’ll come back better.”

Britain’s Dan Evans was banned for a year for taking cocaine out of competition in 2017 but the rules changed in 2021, with the penalties reduced.

Includes reporting from PA

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HUGE MISTAKE, SAYS NICK KYRGIOS AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR COCAINE

The ITIA confirmed on Wednesday that Kyrgios was suspended on August 4

Nick Kyrgios
AFP

Veteran Australian tennis star and former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed on Wednesday that Kyrgios was suspended on August 4 after a sample he provided at an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca in June tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

Cocaine is classified as a prohibited substance in competition. Under the provisional suspension, Kyrgios is barred from participating in or attending ATP, WTA, Grand Slam and other sanctioned events until the case is resolved by an independent tribunal.

Kyrgios, 31, has admitted to the offence, describing it as a “huge mistake” and taking full responsibility for his actions.

Take full responsibility

In a lengthy statement shared social media, the Australian apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and young followers.

“I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it,” Kyrgios said.

He also opened up about the physical and mental toll of persistent injuries and the difficulty of coming to terms with the possibility that his tennis career could be nearing its end.

“The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally,” he said. “My body hasn’t been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined.”

Kyrgios stressed that his struggles did not excuse his actions but said the positive test had served as a wake-up call.

“I’m not going to make excuses,” he added. “None of that excuses what I did.”

The Australian said he will now step away from social media and public life for 28 days to focus on his wellbeing and asked for privacy for himself and his family.

“I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better,” Kyrgios concluded.

- Jai Rai

NICK KYRGIOS VS. ADAM WALTON ALL-AUSSIE MATCH | MALLORCA 2026

 

NICK KYRGIIOS VS. CORENTIN MOUTET | ENTERTAINING FIRST MEET | STUTTGART OPEN 2026

ARYNA SABALENKA VS. NICK KYRGIOS | BATTLE OF THE SEXES | DUBAI | 28-12-2025

 

ARYNA SABALENKA READY FOR 'UNPREDICTABLE' NICK KYRGIOS SHOWDOWN AT CONTROVERSIAL 'BATTLE OF THE SEXES'

Aryna Sabalenka has revealed her excitement to take on the “unpredictable” Nick Kyrgios in their high-profile ‘Battle of the Sexes’ showdown this weekend.

Reigning WTA world No 1 Sabalenka and Kyrgios will face off inside the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai this Sunday (December 28), in a showdown that has attracted huge attention and debate, both within and outside of tennis.

Both the Belarusian and Kyrgios, a former world No 13 and 2022 Wimbledon finalist, have defended their encounter in recent weeks, with the likes of Billie Jean King and Garbine Muguruza among those criticising the event.

The match will be broadcast live across the world and is likely to attract huge interest and debate, ahead of the upcoming 2026 season.

Speaking in a new interview with Gulf News ahead of the ‘Battle of the Sexes’, four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka revealed that she was looking to “push” tennis in different directions.

“I’m really excited,” said the world No 1.

“Nick is one of the most talented and unpredictable players in the game, and he brings an intensity and entertainment factor that fans love.

“I enjoy challenges that push the sport in new directions. This match is competitive, fun and on a big stage, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

Sabalenka and Kyrgios’s match will take place inside the Coca-Cola Arena, a 17,000-capacity indoor stadium in the heart of Dubai.

While the arena itself is new for both players and for tennis, having been predominantly used for concerts in the past, Dubai is hardly new territory for either player.

Several players across both the ATP and WTA Tours are based in the city, and the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships are held in February every year, an event at which Sabalenka often participates.

The world No 1 has never made it past the last eight of the WTA 1000 event, but is looking forward to once again competing in the city.

She added: “Dubai is always an amazing place to play.

“The facilities, organisation and fans are top class, and the tournament keeps getting better every year. I love coming back here — the energy around tennis in Dubai is something I really enjoy.”

Action between Sabalenka and Kyrgios is scheduled to start at approximately 20:00 local time on Sunday.

- Oli Dickson Jefford

NICK KYRGIOS VS. VAN DE ZANDSCHULP | HIGHLIGHTS | INDIAN WELLS 2025

 

JANNIK SINNER BANNED FROM TENNIS FOR THREE MONTHS IN DROPPING SETTLEMENT

World number one to return in time for May’s French Open

Jannik Sinner in action for Italy during the Davis Cup Finals in November 2024. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for ITF

World number one Jannik Sinner has accepted an immediate three-month doping ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said they had reached a settlement on his period of ineligibility, allowing him to return before the French Open in May.

WADA had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against an independent tribunal’s decision in August to clear Sinner of wrongdoing after the three-times major winner failed drug tests.

Sinner, who successfully defended his Australian Open crown last month, had tested positive for anabolic agent clostebol which the 23-year-old said had entered his system from a member of his support team through massages and sports therapy.

Sinner’s ban began on February 9th and will end on May 4th, while he can return to training on April 13th. The French Open main draw is scheduled to begin on May 25th.

“WADA confirms that it has entered into a case resolution agreement in the case of Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, with the player accepting a three-month period of ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation,” WADA said in a statement on Saturday.

“WADA accepts that Mr Sinner did not intend to cheat and that his exposure to clostebol did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit and took place without his knowledge as the result of negligence of members of his entourage.

“However, under the Code and by virtue of CAS precedent, an athlete bears responsibility for the entourage’s negligence.”

Jannik Sinner with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy after winning the men's singles final at the Australian Open. Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images

The case was set to be heard by CAS in April and Sinner was in danger of being banned for up to two years.

The Masters tournaments Sinner will miss include Indian Wells, the Miami Open, Monte Carlo and Madrid.

WADA has formally withdrawn its appeal to CAS after they reached a settlement while they did not seek disqualification of his results.

“This case had been hanging over me now for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year,” Sinner said in a statement.

“I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realise WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love.

“On that basis I have accepted WADA’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a 3 month sanction.”

Sinner is the second high-ranked player to accept a doping ban in recent months after world number two Iga Świątek accepted a one-month suspension in November having tested positive for banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ).

Swiatek had been provisionally suspended from September 12th to October 4th, missing three tournaments as a result, while she also forfeited prize money from the Cincinnati Open, the tournament directly following the test.

Poland's Iga Swiatek during the 2025 WTA Qatar Open quarter-final. Photograph: Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images

Italian Tennis and Padel Federation president Angelo Binaghi said Sinner would be welcomed with open arms at the Italian Open, which begins in Rome three days after his ban ends.

“This is the first time that a shameful injustice makes us happy because our first thought is for the boy who sees the end of a nightmare,” Binaghi said.

“This agreement between the two parties certifies Jannik’s innocence, his absolute non-guilt, and finally allows him to calm down and plan his future with a great comeback ... in Rome.”

Australian Nick Kyrgios, who had previously said the two doping incidents were ‘disgusting’ for the sport, said it was a “sad day for tennis” after several other players received longer bans for similar positive tests.

“Obviously Sinner’s team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a three-month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost,” Kyrgios wrote on social media platform X.

“Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.”

Sinner’s lawyer Jamie Singer said WADA had confirmed the facts determined by the independent tribunal.

“It is clear that Jannik had no intent, no knowledge, and gained no competitive advantage. Regrettably, errors made by members of his team led to this situation,” Singer said.

- The Irish Times

JACOB FEARNLEY VS. NICK KYRGIOS | AO EXTENDED HIGHLIGHTS

 

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2025 DRAW: WHO WILL THE GREEKS PLAY?

Nick Kyrgios practices for the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Photo: AAP/Joel Carrett

Playing his first Grand Slam since reaching the 2022 US Open quarter-finals, Nick Kyrgios faces British world No.86 Jacob Fearnley, provided he can overcome an abdominal strain that forced his withdrawal from an exhibition match this week in Melbourne.

It’s a good outcome for Kyrgios who has entered the event with a protected ranking after his long injury lay-off.

Fearnley doesn’t necessarily represent a tough encounter for Kyrgios.

The 29-year-old said serving is off the cards for a few days to give himself every chance to be fit for the start of the Open on Sunday.

He’ll carefully monitor the final stages of his preparations for his home slam after a fresh injury threatened his involvement.

Thanasi Kokkinakis has drawn Roman Safiullin, in what will be the pairs first ever meeting, while Stefanos Tsitsipas, who is 11th seed, comes up against Alex Michelsen.

The two have played once before in Tokyo last year where the American bested the Greek.

On the women’s side, 31st seed Maria Sakkari comes up against Camila Osorio.

The Australian Open begins on Sunday. Schedules are released at approximately 6pm AEDT on the day prior to play.

All four are scheduled to play on Sunday January 12, with exact times to be confirmed. Subject to change*

With AAP

NICK KYRGIOS MAKES RETURN FROM INJURY IN DOUBLES WIN WITH NOVAK DJOKOVIC IN BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL

 

Australia's Nick Kyrgios, left, talks with Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their doubles match against Alexander Erler of Austria and Andreas Mies of Germany in the Brisbane International, at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane, Australia. (Darren England/AAP Image via AP)

Nick Kyrgios marked his return from injury with an entertaining doubles victory alongside Novak Djokovic in the Brisbane International.

Kyrgios and Djokovic, who faced each other in the Wimbledon singles final in 2022, teamed up to defeat Austria's Alexander Erler and Germany's Andreas Mies 6-4 6-7 (4) 10-8, with Kyrgios sealing the win with an ace.

The 29-year-old, who had played just one match in more than two years due to injury, said in a courtside interview: "This injury has been brutal for me,so I wasn't taking any of this for granted.

"I don't know how many Aussie summers I've got left, so I was just looking around and loving the energy and just so happy to be back out here.

"We promised that we were going to do this one more time before either he [Djokovic] goes or I go, so I'm glad we're still alive!"

Kyrgios initially underwent knee surgery in January 2023 and returned to action in June of that year, but played only one match before pulling out of Wimbledon due to a torn ligament in his right wrist.

He had not played a competitive match since and it appeared doubtful that he would be able to return, but he is playing both doubles and singles in Brisbane and faces France's Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Tuesday.

Djokovic, who produced a superb backhand winner around the net to help secure the only break of the match in the first set, said: "That was awesome.

"I want to thank Nick for playing. He said the other day it should be a pleasure to play with him and it is.

"I'm glad to share the court with him on his comeback. I haven't played that many doubles matches in my life, so whatever Nick was saying I was following.

"I feel great. Cannot ask for a better start to the season, sharing the court with Nick for the first time, winning the match and getting a little bit of a feel for the court.

"I played my last competitive tournament a few months ago, I ended my season quite early, just wanted to get my things together, physically recover and work really on perfecting my game as much as I can

"There's a lot of great players, really quick, dynamic, powerful players nowadays, youngsters that I have to keep up with."

- Phil Casey

RAFA NADAL VS. NICK KYRGIOS

NICK KYRGIOS JOINING ONLYFANS | FOX

 

KYRGIOS PULLS OUT OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN DUE TO INJURY

Reuters 

Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from next month's Australian Open for a second successive year due to ongoing injuries that kept him out of action for much of the 2023 season, the Australian announced on Saturday.

Kyrgios pulled out of the Melbourne major this year and had surgery on his left knee. He was defeated in his comeback match following a five-month layoff, falling to China's Wu Yibing in the Stuttgart Open first round in June.

The 28-year-old then missed the French Open due to a foot injury suffered during the theft of his car, and he pulled out of Wimbledon with a wrist ligament problem that also forced him out of the U.S. Open.

DJOKOVIC FACES KYRGIOS-BACKED THOMPSON AS WIMBLEDON OGRANISERS PRAY FOR RAIN

Reuters 

As he continues his quest for a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic will once again pit his wits against Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon, with the sidelined Australian serving an advisory role in countryman Jordan Thompson's corner.

Defending champion Djokovic faces Thompson on Wednesday, and though the odds will be heavily stacked in the Serbian's favour, his 70th-ranked opponent has an ace up his sleeve, having consulted with Kyrgios ahead of the second-round clash.

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