Tsitsipas Says Kyrgios’ Cocaine Suspension Was “Pretty Much Expected”

Nick Kyrgios received a provisional suspension after testing positive for benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, from a sample taken at the Mallorca Open on June 22. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the suspension began on August 4, 2026 and announced the provisional ban on August 4.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Knew Of Kyrgios’ Failed Drugs Test Before Official Announcement

The positive test marks the first doping violation in Kyrgios’ career. Under ITIA rules, a public announcement of a provisional suspension cannot occur earlier than ten days after a formal notice, allowing the player time to respond or appeal. The sanction could range from three months to four years, depending on whether the substance was taken in-competition.

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• June 22 – Sample collected at Mallorca Open.

Sportskeeda

• July 17 – Test result confirmed.

Sportskeeda

• August 4 – Provisional suspension officially started.

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• August 19 – Kyrgios announced the positive test on social media.

WAtoday

• Potential ban: up to four years, with a lighter punishment expected.

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• Stefanos Tsitsipas (after his first-round US Open win over Arthur Fils) said he was not surprised by the suspension, adding that he had heard about Kyrgios’ off-court behaviour long before the announcement and was only shocked by the delay in public disclosure.

Sportskeeda

• Kyrgios’ Instagram post accepted full responsibility, called the incident a “huge mistake,” and explained that a series of injuries had taken a “huge toll” on his physical and mental state.

The Guardian

• ITIA reiterated that the provisional suspension follows standard procedure and that the case will be reviewed by an independent tribunal before a final sanction is imposed.

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• The exact length of Kyrgios’ eventual ban remains unsettled; sources note a possible range from three months to four years, but no definitive figure has been announced.

Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals he had heard about Nick Kyrgios' 'behaviour' away from court before tennis firebrand was handed cocaine ban: 'I'm only surprised it came so late'

• “Pretty much expected, to be honest,” — Stefanos Tsitsipas, cincinnati open champion

The Guardian

• “I mean, to be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it,” — Stefanos Tsitsipas, cincinnati open champion

The Guardian

• “He [Kyrgios] has a very evil side to him,” — Stefanos Tsitsipas, cincinnati open champion

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• “Did he take it before the match? Then I think he will be banned for at least two years,” — Boris Becker

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• The ITIA tribunal will determine the final sanction, with a decision expected before the next scheduled deadline on September 1, 2026.

Stefanos Tsitsipas Knew Of Kyrgios’ Failed Drugs Test Before Official Announcement

• Kyrgios remains barred from competing in Grand Slam events and other sanctioned tournaments until the case is resolved.

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