Nick Kyrgios will be able to return to the tennis courts beginning Friday after accepting a one-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine. The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced the decision on Thursday.
The ban, initially imposed on August 4, stemmed from a sample provided by Kyrgios during the Mallorca Open in June that detected the drug in his system. As part of the agreement for a reduced one-month suspension, Kyrgios will enter a treatment program. He has opted not to appeal the penalty.
"During an interview with ITIA investigators, the player explained that his use of cocaine had occurred socially during a night out before he was due to play in Mallorca," the ITIA stated. An independent scientific expert consulted by the ITIA confirmed that the player's explanation was consistent with the cocaine levels found in his sample, indicating the use occurred outside of competition.
Kyrgios will also forfeit prize money and ranking points earned at the Mallorca Open. Following the announcement of his suspension in August, Kyrgios expressed remorse on social media, stating he made a "huge mistake and take full responsibility for it."
He attributed his situation partly to the physical and mental toll of recent years of injuries and coming to terms with a potentially nearing the end of his career. Kyrgios, a former World No. 13, had played only four singles matches during the 2026 season due to wrist and knee injuries.
His suspension also drew commentary from other players. Stefanos Tsitsipas, known for a strained relationship with Kyrgios, stated he was not surprised by the ban and was aware of such behaviors occurring off-court. Tsitsipas added that he had heard similar accounts from others on the tour and was only surprised the suspension was announced later.