Nick Kyrgios Getting One-Month Ban for Positive Cocaine Test Sparks Wild Reactions – “Don’t Believe in a Clean Sport Anymore”

Nick Kyrgios has played four singles matches this season.

Nick Kyrgios Getting One-Month Ban for Positive Cocaine Test Sparks Wild Reactions – “Don’t Believe in a Clean Sport Anymore”

Nick Kyrgios (Image via ATP Tour)

Nick Kyrgios has been handed a one-month ban by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after testing positive for cocaine. He has been serving a provisional suspension since August 4.

The ITIA have now announced that his ban will end on September 4. During his interview with ITIA investigators, Kyrgios said that he used cocaine during a night out prior to starting his campaign in Mallorca.

Kyrgios tested positive for the banned drug at the ATP Tour 250 Mallorca Open in June this year. As per the ITIA, they “accepted that Kyrgios’ use of cocaine was outside of competition.“

They also stated that they “consulted an independent scientific expert at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory who stated that the explanation was consistent with the level of cocaine found in his sample.” The Aussie, whose prize money and ranking points from the Mallorca Open have been forfeited, has entered a treatment program.

Under WADA rules, suspension for Kyrgios’ type of doping case is three months, but it can be reduced to one month if the player completes a treatment program approved by the ITIA.

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Fans react to Nick Kyrgios’ one-month ban

Because of Nick Kyrgios‘ past comments on the doping scandal involving Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, and Simona Halep, fans have given mixed reactions to the whole saga. Some are ready to forgive him, as he has been very vocal about his mental health issues. But many feel he deserves a longer ban, while others question anti-doping agencies over their past verdicts in similar cases.

Nick Kyrgios (2)
Nick Kyrgios (Image via The Times)

Check their reactions here:

The former World No.13 wrote on Instagram that he made a “huge mistake” and asked everyone to give him and his family privacy. Kyrgios has competed in just four singles matches this year and was last seen in action in the opening round of Wimbledon doubles, where he played alongside Alexander Bublik.

Stefanos Tsitsipas expected Nick Kyrgios’ doping suspension

Stefanos Tsitsipas knew about Kyrgios’ failed drug test before ITIA’s announcement. What surprised him the most was that the suspension did not come sooner. The Greek ace is competing at the US Open, where, after upsetting reigning Cincinnati Masters champion and 10th seed Arthur Fils, Tsitsipas made his feelings known on Kyrgios’ doping case.

Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas
Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Image via The Sporting News)

To be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. I knew about all of this before any announcement was made, and when I saw it on social media, I was like, ‘Here we go.’ I kind of expected it, to be honest.

Stefanos Tsitsipas said at the press conference

Tsitsipas and Kyrgios were involved in a heated altercation during their clash at Wimbledon 2022. The two-time Grand Slam finalist later called Kyrgios a “bully,” while Kyrgios called him “soft”.

I knew that those were things that were happening away from the tennis courts. These were behaviors that I personally heard on the tour and heard other people in that same environment saying those sort of things to me. I am surprised it came so late, though.

Stefanos Tsitsipas added

After eliminating Fils, Tsitsipas overcame Lloyd Harris to schedule his third-round match against Jiri Lehecka. If he reaches the fourth round, he will face Ben Shelton or Denis Shapovalov.

Tsitsipas has never made it past the third round of the US Open, reaching the stage in 2020 and 2021. Last year, his run ended in the second round.

Carlos Alcaraz is competing as the defending champion. He beat Jannik Sinner last year. The Italian ace, who has already lifted six titles this season, withdrew from the US Open due to a knee injury.

Also read: Adrian Mannarino Slams US Open Conditions: “Becoming a Bit of a Zoo”