Tennis star Nick Kyrgios could be facing a lengthy absence from his sport after he tested positive for cocaine at the Mallorca Championship in June.
“2022 Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios tested positive for cocaine at an ATP Tour event and has been provisionally suspended,” The Athletic’s James Hansen wrote on Wednesday morning. “Kyrgios, 31, provided a sample at June’s Mallorca Championships, which was confirmed to contain a metabolite of cocaine July 17 after testing. The suspension has been in place since August 4, and Kyrgios, 31, has not appealed it, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said Wednesday.”
Kyrgios addressed the positive test in a written statement posted to his official Instagram account on Wednesday — what he called a “huge mistake” he is now taking responsibility for.
“I’m sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me,” Kyrgios wrote. “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. I’ve always said that 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 … I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better.”
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