“I Made a Huge Mistake” — Nick Kyrgios Apologizes to Fans, Family and Sponsors as He Opens Up About His Physical and Mental Struggles on Social Media
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after failing a drug test for cocaine. The 31-year-old former Wimbledon finalist admitted he made a “huge mistake” following the official announcement by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The positive drug test
The ITIA revealed that Kyrgios tested positive for benzoylecgonine – a metabolite of cocaine – from a urine sample provided on June 22 during an ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca, Spain.
Under anti-doping rules, cocaine is classified as a banned stimulant and substance of abuse triggering an automatic provisional suspension that took effect on August 4.
Kyrgios admits full fault
Addressing the incident on Instagram, the Australian player owned up to the violation.
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 posted, adding, “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.”
Struggles behind the mistake
Kyrgios opened up about the physical and mental stress caused by long-term wrist and knee injuries. “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,” he shared.
Taking time off court
While suspended, Kyrgios is barred from competing, coaching, or attending any official ATP or Grand Slam event. He announced he will take 28 days off from social media to recover, stating, “’I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better.”
Nick Kyrgios Apologies
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.
“I’m not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I’ve been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. 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,” he added.
I’ve always said I didn’t choose tennis – tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to face. At times I’ve felt helpless and alone.”
Kyrgios is currently ranked 919th in the world. He was given a wild card to play doubles at Wimbledon last month and lost in the first round with partner Alexander Bublik.
