Nick Kyrgios banned from tennis for cocaine; rival Tsitsipas knew beforehand

Kyrgios banned from tennis after testing positive for cocaine in June. Tsitsipas says he knew about it before the announcement and was surprised the suspension took so long.

Why it mattersTsitsipas's claim reveals that knowledge of Kyrgios's drug use circulated among players on the professional tennis tour before the official suspension.

AustraliaKyrgios is Australian and was seen as a talent with Grand Slam potential; the ban marks the end of his tennis career after years of injuries and controversy.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 h ago

Next in today's edition

A young male tennis player in a black-and-white striped Nike shirt holds a racket on a clay court.

✓ Google TrendsSport & Play

US Open defending champ Alcaraz strikes 20 forehand winners in opening win

The 23-year-old returned to competitive tennis after nearly five months out with a wrist injury to beat Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Why it mattersThe defending champion's return from injury carries real doubt about his fitness, which will shape expectations for who wins the tournament's biggest matches.