How long Nick Kyrgios will be suspended after testing positive for cocaine hinges on his ability to demonstrate that the substance was consumed outside of active competition.
During the grass-court tournament in Mallorca this past June, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up gave a sample containing benzoylecgonine, which is a byproduct of cocaine, resulting in his current temporary suspension.
While the suspension could potentially last up to four years, it will be limited to a maximum of three months should the Australian player successfully show investigators that the substance was used out of competition.
According to insiders speaking to BBC Sport, this is the defense strategy that Kyrgios is expected to adopt.
An athlete is considered ‘in competition’ starting from the initial day of their tournament draw until they depart from the venue following their last match.
Prior to the grass-court season, the former world number 13 had been sidelined since the Australian Open in January, meaning his actual time spent at tournament locations was minimal.
His ‘in competition’ windows are defined as June 8–12 during the Stuttgart event, and June 21–22 in Mallorca.
Kyrgios provided the urine sample that tested positive for benzoylecgonine on June 22, the same day he suffered a first-round defeat at the tournament.
If the 31-year-old is able to persuade the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that he consumed the drug prior to his ‘in competition’ window, the case will not require a hearing before an independent tribunal.
This path would significantly accelerate the resolution, and should Kyrgios consent to participate in a rehabilitation program, his suspension could be reduced to just a single month.
Because his temporary ban was enacted on August 4, he might be cleared to return to professional tennis as early as September 4.
