“Disgusting” to others’ doping... “Do as I say, not as I do” Kyrios caught with cocaine positive test → Apologizes for “huge mistake”

*This content was translated by AI.

This was a clear case of hypocrisy. Nick Kyrios (Australia), who had always been the sharpest critic of doping in others, has now received a provisional suspension after testing positive for cocaine.

Reuters reported on the 19th (local time) that “former Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrios tested positive for cocaine and has been provisionally suspended by the tennis community.”

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed that benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, was detected in Kyrios’s sample collected during the ATP 250 tournament held in Mallorca, Spain, last June.

A WADA-accredited laboratory also identified the presence of a banned stimulant last month, and as a result, Kyrios has been under provisional suspension since August 4.

Cocaine is classified as a stimulant and a “substance of abuse” on the WADA Prohibited List. This category separately includes substances that are more often misused for recreation or addiction rather than performance enhancement. Under tennis anti-doping rules, its use is prohibited during competition periods.

Reuters explained that “during the suspension period, Kyrios will not be allowed to compete as a player in any tournaments organized by international tennis bodies, the WTA, ATP, Grand Slams, or national associations, nor may he work as a coach or attend related events.”

Kyrios has admitted to testing positive for cocaine and has not appealed the provisional suspension.

Through his social media, he stated, “I tested positive for cocaine in a drug test taken recently in Mallorca,” adding, “I made a huge mistake and take full responsibility.”

He continued, “I am sorry to my fans, family, sponsors, and everyone around me. Most of all, I am sorry to the children who look up to me. I know what kind of example I set, and I am deeply disappointed in myself,” he apologized.

Reuters also reported that “the Australian-born Kyrios, known for his fiery temper, acknowledged this incident as a ‘huge mistake’ through his public apology.”

While refusing to make excuses, Kyrios revealed that he has suffered significant physical and mental pain due to injuries sustained over recent years. He also said that accepting the reality of entering the twilight of his playing career was not easy.

Kyrios stated, “I do not want to make any excuses. However, I would like to explain what situation I was in,” adding, “The continuous injuries over the past few years have dealt me a tremendous blow both physically and mentally.”

He further confessed, “My body no longer moved as my mind expected. Accepting that my playing career is nearing its end was far more difficult than I had imagined.”

He then said, “I have always maintained that tennis chose me, not the other way around. But letting go of something that was once my entire life has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. Sometimes I felt powerless and alone.”

Kyrios enjoyed his peak in 2022 when he reached the men’s singles final at Wimbledon, but since then, a series of injuries have led to a prolonged slump. In particular, he was unable to compete at all during the 2024 season due to injuries.

Reuters noted that “Kyrios, who underwent wrist reconstruction surgery and knee surgery, has played only 10 matches since 2023, and as a result, his world ranking has dropped significantly.”

Kyrios attempted a comeback at this year’s Wimbledon by competing in doubles with Alexander Bublik but was eliminated in the first round.

This incident has drawn even greater attention due to Kyrios’s past statements.

Kyrios has been one of the most vocal players regarding doping issues in tennis. In particular, he publicly criticized both Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek when they were each implicated in doping cases.

At that time, Kyrios raised his voice, saying, “It is disgusting for two world No. 1 players to be involved in doping issues,” adding, “It looks truly terrible.” He also criticized the authorities’ disciplinary measures as being too lenient.

Sinner tested positive for trace amounts of clostebol, an anabolic-androgenic steroid, in two drug tests in 2024. He subsequently received a three-month suspension but was found not to have acted intentionally.

Swiatek also accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for trimetazidine, a hormone and metabolic regulator.

Kyrios, who once used the word “disgusting” to describe others’ doping incidents, has now become directly involved in a positive test for a banned substance himself.

Reuters also reported that “this incident has attracted particular attention given that Kyrios was known for taking a very firm stance on past doping issues.”

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*This content was translated by AI.