Nick Kyrgios withdraws from Kooyong Classic amid doping suspension

Nick Kyrgios has officially withdrawn from the 2027 Kooyong Classic following a provisional suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The 31-year-old Australian player tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, during an ATP 250 tournament in Spain in June.

Kyrgios has taken responsibility for the incident, calling it the “biggest mistake” of his life. The length of his potential ban depends on whether the ITIA determines the substance was used in or out of competition. Former champion Boris Becker commented on the situation, noting that Kyrgios “can't complain about criticism” given his previous comments regarding other players' doping cases, though Becker expressed hope for the player's recovery.

Tournament organizers confirmed that Arthur Fils and Learner Tien will join Paula Badosa in the men's field for the event, which is scheduled to take place from January 12-14 at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.