Portuguese-born Goncalo Oliveira, currently representing Venezuela, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for methamphetamine at an ATP Challenger event in Mexico on November 25. The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed that Oliveira’s in-competition sample—split into A and B samples—revealed the presence of the banned substance, with no therapeutic use exemption in place. His suspension, effective from January 17, bars him from competing, coaching, or attending any professional tennis tournament, and he has not appealed the decision.

Following the announcement, Australian star Nick Kyrgios weighed in on the controversy. Known for his outspoken views on doping, Kyrgios took to Instagram, stating, “Steroids are fine but this is wild,” and adding with several laughing emojis that the “world [has] gone mad.” Kyrgios’s comments echo his previous criticisms regarding high-profile doping cases, including his outspoken stance on Jannik Sinner’s earlier failed tests, which were later attributed to contamination and ultimately ruled as “no fault or negligence.”

Oliveira, addressing the situation in his own statement, expressed both frustration and determination. “This is a truly difficult moment for me – one that feels harder than the many injury setbacks I’ve faced throughout my career,” he wrote. “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.” He also emphasized his complete cooperation with the ITIA and his legal team as he navigates this unfamiliar process.

As the tennis world reacts to this latest doping case, the incident has reignited debates over the consistency of anti-doping protocols and the consequences for players. With the World Anti-Doping Agency lodging an appeal against previous cases and Kyrgios continuing to question the integrity of certain rulings, the sport finds itself once again at the center of a heated controversy.

Nick Kyrgios in 2025

Now the world no., Kyrgios played his last match on the 13^th of January when he lost to world no.78 Jacob Fearnley 7-6(3) 6-3 7-6(1) in the 1^st round of the Australian Open (draw).

Presently, during this year Kyrgios has managed to achieve a compiled 0-2 record.

He is also scheduled to play in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open) on the 3rd of March and () on the 29th of December.