The 31-year-old Australian shared a statement on Instagram about the failed drug test that took place during the Mallorca Open in June, explaining that he takes full responsibility for the "huge mistake" he made.Kyrgios, often labeled tennis' 'bad boy', also shared that he has "felt helpless and alone" in recent years as injuries have kept him off the court for the most part."I'm sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me," Kyrgios wrote in an Instagram Story.
"Above all, I'm sorry to the kids who follow me.I know the example this sets and I'm deeply disappointed in myself.Nick Kyrgios following The 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match against Aryna Sabalenka at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Sunday December 28, 2025.
(Photo by Christopher Pike/PA Images via Getty Images) (Christopher Pike/PA Images via Getty Images)SERENA WILLIAMS CRITICIZES 'GRUELING' ANTI-DOPING PROCESS AHEAD OF WIMBLEDON RETURN"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 than I ever imagined."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."Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts while competing with Leylah Fernandez of Canada in the Mixed Doubles First Round against Desirae Krawczyk of the United States and Neal Skupski of Great Britain during day six of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 23, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia.(Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images) (Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)OUTKICK IS NOW ON THE FOX APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOADKyrgios now faces a ban of up to four years after testing positive f...