Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine during an ATP tournament in Mallorca, Spain.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Kyrgios provided a sample on June 22 while competing at the ATP 250 event in Mallorca.

The sample was subsequently analyzed at a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited laboratory, which confirmed on July 17 the presence of benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.

According to the ITIA, the provisional suspension took effect on August 4. Kyrgios has the right to challenge the decision, although the agency said he had not appealed the suspension as of Wednesday.

The 31-year-old Australian acknowledged the positive test in a statement posted on Instagram, admitting that he had made a serious mistake and accepting responsibility for his actions.

“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,” Kyrgios said.

He apologised to his fans, family, sponsors and young supporters, particularly those who look up to him.

“Above all, I’m sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I’m deeply disappointed in myself,” he said.

Kyrgios explained that the positive test came during a difficult period in his life, marked by persistent injuries that have affected his physical and mental wellbeing.

“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 than I ever imagined,” he said.

However, the former world number 13 acknowledged that his personal struggles did not justify his actions.

“None of that excuses what I did,” he added.

Under the terms of the provisional suspension, Kyrgios is prohibited from competing in, coaching at or attending events sanctioned by the professional tennis tours, including Grand Slam tournaments, while the case is being considered.

The Australian has been limited to just four singles matches this season due to continuing injury problems.

His most recent appearance came at Wimbledon, where he partnered Alexander Bublik in the men’s doubles. The pair were eliminated in the first round.

Kyrgios enjoyed the best Grand Slam run of his singles career in 2022 when he reached the Wimbledon final before losing to Novak Djokovic.

He has also won seven ATP Tour singles titles and claimed the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title alongside compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Following the suspension, Kyrgios said he would withdraw from social media and public life for 28 days to concentrate on his wellbeing.

“I’m sorry. I’ll do the work and come back better,” he said.