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Kyrgios Accepts Cocaine Ban, Enters Treatment Program
4 Sep
Summary
- Nick Kyrgios received a one-month ban after testing positive for cocaine.
- The ITIA accepted his cocaine use occurred socially outside of competition.
- Kyrgios has entered a treatment program to reduce his suspension.
Nick Kyrgios has entered a treatment program following a one-month ban for testing positive to cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) accepted that the Australian tennis star's cocaine use occurred socially during a night out, days before a tournament in Mallorca. This determination was consistent with the level of cocaine found in his sample.
Under World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) rules, the default suspension for such a breach is three months. However, this can be reduced to one month if the individual commits to an approved treatment program. Kyrgios forfeited the prize money he won in Mallorca and accepted the ban, which he could have appealed but chose not to.
Kyrgios, who had been provisionally suspended since August 4, posted on Instagram last month admitting to a "huge mistake" and apologizing to his fans, family, and sponsors. He has been battling injuries and has indicated his career as a singles force may be over.
