Tennis Star Drops Candid 'Truth' About Rival’s Cocaine Scandal
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Stefanos Tsitsipas said he was not surprised by Nick Kyrgios's provisional doping suspension, claiming he knew of the Australian's positive cocaine test before the public announcement [citation:1][citation:6]. Speaking after his U.S. Open first-round win on Monday, the Greek player stated he had heard about Kyrgios's off-court behavior from others on the tour and was surprised the suspension did not come sooner [citation:1][citation:6]. Kyrgios was provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) on August 4 after a sample from June 22 in Mallorca tested positive for a cocaine metabolite [citation:13]. The 31-year-old Australian has apologized, calling it a "huge mistake" [citation:4]. Tsitsipas and Kyrgios have a contentious history, notably from a heated match at Wimbledon 2022 where Tsitsipas called Kyrgios a "bully" [citation:1][citation:6]. Kyrgios faces a potential four-year ban, though a lighter sentence is anticipated [citation:6].
Timeline
- On July 2 2022 Tsitsipas and Kyrgios played a fiery Wimbledon third-round match.
- On July 2 2022 Tsitsipas called Kyrgios a "bully" with an "evil side" post-match.
- On June 22 2026 Kyrgios provided a doping sample during an ATP event in Mallorca.
- On July 17 2026 A WADA lab confirmed the sample contained a cocaine metabolite.
- On August 4 2026 The ITIA placed Kyrgios under a mandatory provisional suspension.
- On August 19 2026 The ITIA publicly announced Kyrgios's provisional suspension.
- On August 19 2026 Kyrgios admitted his mistake and apologized via social media.
- On August 31 2026 Tsitsipas said he expected the suspension and knew beforehand.
- Kyrgios's case will be adjudicated, with a hearing to determine his final ban.
- Kyrgios faces a possible four-year suspension, although a lighter penalty is expected.
Sources
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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