Australian two-time doubles grand slam winner Max Purcell has taken a voluntary provisional suspension following a breach of tennis’ anti-doping rules.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach of article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program.
The 26-year-old reigning US Open doubles champion’s breach is “relating to the use of a prohibited method”.
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Purcell insists he “unknowingly received an IV infusion” that measured above the limit outlined in tennis’ anti-doping rules and did not wish to hide the error from the ITIA.
“Until last week when I received medical records for a clinic showing that amount of an IV I had received was above 100ml,” he wrote on Instagram.
Max Purcell of Australia. DeFodi Images via Getty Images
“I was fully convinced that I had done everything to ensure that I had followed the WADA regulations and methods.
“But the records show that the IV was over that 100ml limit, even though I told the medical clinic that I was a professional athlete and needed the IV to be below 100ml.
“This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who always makes sure that 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, ranked 105th, missed the cut for the Australian Open main draw published earlier this month and was not named a recipient of a wildcard.
The ITIA remained coy with details of the breach, but released a statement on Monday confirming the suspension.
“The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Australian tennis player Max Purcell has elected to enter into a voluntary provisional suspension under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP),” the statement said.
Max Purcell of Australia plays a forehand against Henri Squire of Germany during 2024 French Open. Getty
“26-year-old Purcell, currently ranked world number 12 in doubles, has admitted to a breach of Article 2.2 of the TADP relating to the use of a Prohibited Method, and requested to enter into a provisional suspension on 10 December 2024.
“The suspension came into effect on 12 December 2024 and time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”
The exact timing of the suspension has not been divulged as investigations begin.
“During the provisional suspension, Purcell is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association,” the ITIA’s statement read.
Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell of Australia celebrate. Getty
“As the matter is ongoing, the ITIA is unable to offer any further comment until its conclusion.”
It’s yet another layer to the growing anti-doping saga in the sport, with women’s world No.2 Iga Swiatek recently being handed a one-month ban for a breach.
In August, it emerged that men’s tennis world No.1 Jannik Sinner had escaped suspension despite testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol in March.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been vocal in his criticism of various punishments across the sport.
