Nick Kyrgios' tennis career is in jeopardy after he revealed he tested positive for cocaine in a recent drugs test. The Australian competed in Mallorca at the ATP 250 event in late June, where he was defeated in straight sets by Adam Walton. He was then expected to play alongside John-Patrick Smith against Austin Krajicek and Nikola Mektic in the doubles, but withdrew from the competition.
ITIA reveals failed test
Tennis' integrity and anti-doping governing body the ITIA have since revealed he failed his drugs test. Kyrgios wanted to break the news quickly himself in an emotional statement uploaded to social media.
He said: "I wanted you to hear it from me first. I recently failed a drug test in Mallorca after testing positive for cocaine. I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it."
Emotional apology
"I am sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors, and everyone close to me. Above all, I'm sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I'm deeply disappointed in myself."
"I'm not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I've been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body hasn't been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder that I ever imagined."
Stepping away from public life
"I've always said I didn't choose tennis - tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I've ever had to face. At times I've felt helpless and alone. None of that excuses what I did."
"However, the good news is that this has given me a wake up call. For the next 28 days, I'll be stepping away from social media and public life while I focus on getting myself right. I'd ask that people respect my privacy during that time, and most importantly the privacy of my family. I'm sorry. I'll do the work and come back better. Nick".
