Arabic version: إيقاف كيريوس مؤقتاً بعد فحص إيجابي للكوكايين

According to ABC News, Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has said he tested positive for cocaine on the Spanish island of Mallorca and has apologised. In an Instagram statement, Kyrgios said he had “made a huge mistake” and accepted full responsibility.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency said Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from competing and coaching since August 4. The agency said the 31-year-old provided a sample during an ATP 250 event in Mallorca on June 22, and that a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, on July 17.

Kyrgios may appeal the provisional suspension, but the ITIA said he had not done so. While suspended, he cannot play in, coach at or attend events organised or sanctioned by World Tennis, the WTA, ATP, Grand Slams or national associations. The ITIA said support was available to Kyrgios under Tennis Anti-Doping Programme cases.

Kyrgios said the incident followed years of injuries “both physically and mentally” and difficulties coming to terms with being near the end of his career. He said none of that excused his actions. Kyrgios said he would leave social media and the public spotlight for 28 days to focus on getting himself right, asking for privacy for himself and his family.