Nick Kyrgios has revealed that he has failed a drugs test after testing positive for cocaine.
The former Wimbledon finalist has endured a checkered few years after suffering persistent injury, and admitted that the toll they have taken on his career gave ‘some context’ to his failed test.
‘I wanted you to hear it from me first,’ Kyrgios began his lengthy statement on Instagram. ‘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.
‘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.
Nick Kyrgios has shared that he has failed a drugs test after testing positive for cocaine
‘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’.
More to follow.
