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Nick Kyrgios Suspended After Benzoylecgonine Positive Test

8/19/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) suspended tennis player Nick Kyrgios after a 22 June 2026 sample tested positive for benzoylecgonine.
A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lab confirmed the result on 17 July 2026, leading to a ban starting 4 August 2026 and barred him from ATP, WTA and Grand Slam events.
Kyrgios posted an apology and said he will stay off social media for 28 days while the case proceeds.

History

Historical Context

In July 1998 French customs stopped Festina soigneur Willy Voet with EPO, igniting the Festina affair that saw eight Festina riders test positive for EPO. The scandal pushed the UCI to set a 50 % hematocrit limit in 1997 and helped create the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in December 1999. Today the International Tennis Integrity Agency and WADA enforce bans, as with Nick Kyrgios.

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Story summary

International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) suspended tennis player Nick Kyrgios after a 22 June 2026 sample tested positive for benzoylecgonine.
A World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lab confirmed the result on 17 July 2026, leading to a ban starting 4 August 2026 and barred him from ATP, WTA and Grand Slam events.
Kyrgios posted an apology and said he will stay off social media for 28 days while the case proceeds.

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