Nick Kyrgios suspended by ITIA following positive drugs test for cocaine back in June

Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from tennis following a positive drugs test in-competition at the Mallorca Championships back in June.

The 31-year-old tested positive for cocaine while competing on the Spanish Islands with this being his preparation for Wimbledon. He faced off against fellow Aussie Adam Walton in the first round, losing 6-3, 6-4.

His time on court this year has been limited with injuries costing him the chance to compete in singles and doubles action on the ATP Tour, getting just about fit enough to compete in a few grass tournaments.

However, this would come with a detrimental effect. He has been provisionally suspended from competing by the ITIA with it having been in place from been in place since August 4th. Kyrgios has the right to appeal this suspension but has not yet done so.

Kyrgios released the news himself on Instagram with a lengthy message. “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," he wrote. “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.

“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. None of that excuses what I did.

“However, the good news is that this has given me a wake up call. For the next 28 days, I’ll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right. I’d ask that people respect my privacy during that time, and most importantly the privacy of my family. I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better.”

After admitting at his most recent Wimbledon campaign that it could be the final time he competes at SW19, the choice may be out of his hands with the next steps in this brewing case set to be closely followed by the whole tennis world.