Nick Kyrgios, of Australia (AP Photo)
Kyrgios told investigators that he had used cocaine socially during a night out before he was scheduled to compete in Mallorca, according to the ITIA. After consulting an expert from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), he accepted that the substance had been used outside of competition. Nick Kyrgios has accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine at a tournament in Spain in June, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Thursday.
Under WADA’s rules, the default suspension for such an offence is three months. However, the ban can be reduced to one month if the player completes a treatment programme. The Australian will also lose the prize money and ranking points he earned at the Mallorca tournament. Kyrgios was beaten in his only match there by fellow Australian Adam Walton.
The ITIA said Kyrgios’ suspension expires on Thursday, subject to him completing the required programme.