Goncalo Oliveira, who represents Venezuela, was provisionally suspended following a failed test and tennis superstar Nick Kyrgios has weighed in on his ban
Nick Kyrgios has given his two cents after a tennis player tested positive for meth.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Goncalo Oliveira has been provisionally suspended after failing a drug test.
Oliveira is now banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any professional tennis tournament during his suspension. The ITIA confirmed that Oliveira, 29, provided an in-competition sample while playing in an ATP Challenger event in Mexico on November 25.
This sample was divided into A and B samples. Tests showed the A sample contained methamphetamine, which is banned under the tennis anti-doping programme.
Oliveira did not have a therapeutic use exemption for taking meth and has therefore been provisionally suspended. His ban began on January 17.
The 29 year old did not appeal his provisional suspension. After hearing about Oliveira’s positive test, Kyrgios claimed on Instagram: “Steroids are fine but this is wild,” and adding with several laughing emojis that the “world [has] gone mad”.
The Aussie has been vocal about high-profile doping cases, including one involving Jannik Sinner, who was found to have “bore no fault or negligence” for two failed tests last year. Sinner tested positive for the banned substance clostebol – an anabolic steroid – in two tests in March 2024.
The Italian argued that he was contaminated via massages from his then-physio, who had been using a spray containing clostebol to heal a cut on his finger.
The world No. 1 tennis player successfully appealed both of his provisional suspensions and was allowed to continue playing. Sinner’s hearing in August resulted in a “no fault or negligence” ruling, meaning he was not punished.
However, according to protocol, Sinner lost his ranking points and prize money for the Indian Wells Masters tournament as both tests took place during this event.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has since lodged an appeal, suggesting that Sinner bears some responsibility for the failed tests. Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has repeatedly voiced his disagreement with the ruling in Sinner’s case.
Oliveira also released a statement addressing his positive test and subsequent ban. He wrote: “I want to address the recent announcement of the provisional suspension with complete transparency and honesty.”
He continued: “This is a truly difficult moment for me – one that feels harder than the many injury setbacks I’ve faced throughout my career.”
He concluded by saying: “But just as I’ve always done, I’m determined to face this challenge with head-on with strength and resolve. I have always competed with the utmost integrity, respect and love for the game of tennis.”
“I am fully committed to proving my innocence and ensuring that the truth is brought to light. I am cooperating transparently with proactively with the ITIA, and working with lawyers to seek a swift resolution of this unfamiliar process.”