The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced this Friday that Nick Kyrgios is free to play again after accepting a one-month suspension following a positive test for cocaine in June. The decision surprised Omar Jasika, a fellow Australian player who was previously handed a two-year ban for the exact same substance.
“I’m not saying Nick should have received a longer ban. I don’t believe that at all. I’m saying I wish the same help and understanding had been available to me,” Jasika wrote in a post on his Instagram account after learning of the ITIA’s decision.
Currently ranked No. 408 in the ATP rankings, Jasika tested positive for cocaine in 2018 at age 21—while being considered one of Australia’s brightest tennis prospects—and received a two-year suspension.
“I accepted responsibility for my actions and served every day of that suspension. Because COVID arrived shortly after I became ineligible to return, I effectively lost almost four years of my career during some of the most important years of my life,” Jasika stated. “Today, the rules have changed. A player in a similar situation can receive a one-month ban by entering an approved treatment program.”
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Jasika, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 177 after serving his ban, clarified that his message was not an attack on Kyrgios. “Firstly, this is not an attack on Nick. He is a mate of mine, and I genuinely support him through this. I’m glad he has been given the opportunity to enter a treatment program, look after himself and move forward with his life and career.”
“I made a mistake and deserved consequences, but losing two years of my career was incredibly difficult. At the time, I wasn’t offered treatment or a clear pathway back. I was simply removed from the sport and left to deal with everything that came with it,” Jasika added. “I’m glad the system has changed and now focuses more on helping players, but it’s hard not to wonder how different my life and career might have been if those same options existed for me.”
“This isn’t me against Nick. It’s me asking whether the punishment I received was fair, and whether people affected by the old rules deserve to have their cases looked at again.”
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Kyrgios tested positive for cocaine on June 23 during the ATP 250 tournament in Mallorca. The ITIA announced the case in mid-August, explaining that the Australian had been provisionally suspended since August 3.
In an official statement, Kyrgios accepted the findings and apologized to fans, his family, and his team. With his one-month suspension fulfilled, he is eligible to return to competition as of this Friday.
