“Was I surprised? Not really”: Boris Becker delivers blunt verdict on Nick Kyrgios doping case

Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 04:30

Boris Becker with a microphone in his hand

Boris Becker has weighed in on Nick Kyrgios’ positive cocaine test, admitting that he was “not really” surprised by the news while arguing that the Australian cannot complain about the criticism now coming his way. Becker also urged the former world No. 13 to seek help, recover from the situation and recognize that drugs have no place in professional sport.

Kyrgios announced last week that he had tested positive for cocaine, describing the result as a “huge mistake” and saying he was “deeply disappointed in myself.” The Australian also explained that he wanted the tennis community to hear the news directly from him before the ITIA confirmed that he had been provisionally suspended.

The case has generated a strong reaction because of Kyrgios’ previous criticism of other players involved in anti-doping cases. The 31-year-old was particularly outspoken during the cases involving Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Simona Halep, repeatedly questioning whether players had been treated appropriately after testing positive for banned substances.

Kyrgios has now found himself at the center of a doping case of his own, although the circumstances are different. The Australian has accepted responsibility for his cocaine use and indicated that difficulties surrounding the end of his professional career played a role. Becker believes Kyrgios must now accept the scrutiny that has followed.

Becker says Kyrgios cannot complain about criticism

Becker addressed the situation on the Becker Petkovic podcast, admitting that Kyrgios’ positive test did not come as a major surprise to him given what he had seen from the Australian recently. “He tested positive for doping. In this case it was cocaine. Was I surprised? Not really,” Becker said.

The six-time Grand Slam champion also raised the question of when Kyrgios consumed the substance, noting that the timing could have a significant impact on the eventual disciplinary consequences.

“Given how I have seen him lately. And now the question is, did he take it before the match? Then I think he will be banned for at least two years. Or after the match, so not during a tournament. Then the penalty is milder.”

The German then turned to Kyrgios’ previous comments about other doping cases, particularly Sinner. The Australian was one of the Italian's most vocal critics during the controversy surrounding his two positive tests for trace amounts of Clostebol and his eventual three-month suspension.

“Yes, of course he can't complain about criticism. He really dished it out at Sinner in his doping case. Simona Halep also commented on it and spoke of karma.”

Halep appeared to respond to the news through an Instagram post shortly after Kyrgios' positive test, writing about the difference between “an accident and a choice” without directly mentioning the Australian. Kyrgios had previously questioned the treatment received by both Sinner and Halep during their respective cases.

Becker urges Kyrgios to find his way back

Despite his criticism, Becker stressed that he does not want Kyrgios to be defined solely by the positive test. The six-time Grand Slam champion said he hopes the Australian understands that his recent choices are taking him in the wrong direction and that he receives the support necessary to change course.

“Still I am a humanist and we are all human," the former world No. 1 added. "We make mistakes. So I hope that he recovers. That he realizes that this is the wrong path. Drugs have no place in sports anyway. But especially with young people, he is only 31."

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Kyrgios has spoken openly about the difficulties he has experienced as injuries and physical problems have prevented him from maintaining a regular presence on the ATP Tour. He has also admitted that stepping away from the top level has been difficult after building a career that included a Wimbledon final in 2022.

Becker believes that reconnecting with the people around him could be important as Kyrgios deals with the consequences of the case.

“I hope that with help from his friends he finds himself again. I think he has lost his way a little bit," the German said. "He spoke about the fact that he has realized how much he loves tennis. And how he misses not being at the top of the world and not playing tournaments anymore for whatever reason.”

Kyrgios remains provisionally suspended while the anti-doping process continues. The eventual consequences will depend on the circumstances surrounding the positive test, but Becker's message combined criticism of the Australian's past comments with a call for him to seek help and move away from drugs.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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