Max Purcell: Tennis rocked by another anti-doping breach as doubles champion accepts suspension
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Two-time grand slam doubles winner Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended for violating tennis’ anti-doping rules.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced the sanction in a statement on Monday.
The 26-year-old Australian accepted the suspension, admitting to violating Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program “relating to the use of a Prohibited Method”, with the suspension effective as of December 12.
The ITIA did not specify the length of time of the voluntary suspension would apply.
Purcell said on Instagram he unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowed limit of 100ml, adding he was convinced he followed World Anti-Doping Agency regulations and methods.
“But the records show that the IV was over the 100ml limit, even though I told the clinic that I was a professional athlete and needed the IV to be under 100ml,” Purcell explained.
“This news was devastating because I pride myself on being an athlete who makes sure everything is WADA safe. I volunteered this information to the ITIA and have been as transparent as possible in trying to put this whole situation behind me.
“I look forward to being back on the court soon.”
Purcell won Wimbledon in 2022 alongside Matthew Ebden and the 2024 US Open alongside Jordan Thompson.
Tennis Australia said the ITIA confirmed the breach related to the use of a prohibited method rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.
“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it added.
Purcell is the latest grand slam champion to have case opened by the ITIA, an independent organisation established by the governing bodies of the sport to safeguard its integrity.
The agency said last month that French Open champion Iga Swiatek had accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine following contamination of her sleep medication.
World number one Jannik Sinner had been cleared of wrongdoing after two failed tests in March for the anabolic agent clostebol but faces a ban of up to two years after an appeal by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Both players will be in action in the Australian Open, which begins on Jan. 12
