Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been cleared to return to competitive tennis after accepting and serving a one-month suspension for cocaine use, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Friday.

Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, tested positive for cocaine during an ATP event in Mallorca on June 22. The 31-year-old was provisionally suspended on August 4 and later admitted he had made a “huge mistake.”

According to the ITIA, Kyrgios explained that the cocaine use occurred socially during a night out before the tournament. An independent expert from a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory reviewed the case and found his explanation consistent with the level of the substance detected in his sample.

As a result, the anti-doping body accepted that the drug use happened outside competition.

Under WADA regulations, the standard sanction for such a violation is three months. However, the suspension can be reduced to one month if the athlete completes an approved treatment programme.

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The ITIA confirmed that Kyrgios entered a treatment programme, allowing his suspension to end on September 3, 2026. However, he forfeited prize money and ranking points earned at the Mallorca event.

Injury Struggles and Career Decline

Kyrgios was once regarded as one of tennis’ most exciting talents due to his powerful serve and aggressive style. He won seven ATP singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 13 in 2016.

His greatest Grand Slam achievement came at Wimbledon in 2022, where he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic.

However, repeated injuries have severely affected his career. Kyrgios has undergone surgeries on his wrist, elbow, hip, knees, shoulders and collarbone, including a complete reconstruction of his right wrist in 2024.

Now ranked 918th in the world, the Australian has played very little in recent years. His latest appearance came at Wimbledon in July, where he competed in the men’s doubles event alongside Alexander Bublik.

Kyrgios Apologises for Mistake

When news of the positive test emerged last month, Kyrgios publicly apologised.

“I made a huge mistake and I take full responsibility for it,” he wrote on Instagram.

He also apologised to fans, family, sponsors and young supporters, saying he was deeply disappointed in himself.