Australia’s two-time doubles grand-slam winner Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended over an alleged violation of tennis’ anti-doping program.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced on Monday that Purcell had voluntarily accepted the suspension, after admitting to a breach relating to a prohibited method.
Purcell, the world No 12 doubles player, elected to accept the provisional suspension earlier this month, ruling him out of playing or coaching at any ATP and ITF events, including the four majors.
It means the 26-year-old will at this stage not be able to compete at the Australian Open, months after winning the US Open doubles title alongside compatriot Jordan Thompson in September.
Purcell issued a statement on Instagram saying he had “unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100 ml”.
He said he had told the medical clinic involved the infusion needed to be below 100ml since he was a professional athlete, but that the medical records he was given later showed he had been given more than that level.
“This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who always makes sure that everything is Wada safe,” Purcell wrote.
“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.”
The ITIA has not yet specified the length of the ban Purcell was potentially facing, or the details of the breach other than it being a prohibited method.
“Purcell … 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 ITIA said in a statement.
“The suspension came into effect on 12 December 2024, and time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.
“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, Federation Francaise de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.”
In a statement, Tennis Australia stressed that the breach related to a prohibited method, rather than the use of a prohibited substance.
“Max Purcell has admitted to a breach of the tennis anti-doping programme and entered a voluntary provisional suspension from 12 December,” TA said.
“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.”
The ITIA are the same governing body that levelled charges against world No 1s Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek, due to breaches of the anti-doping program.
Men’s No 1 Sinner tested positive twice for an anabolic steroid in March, but avoided a ban because the ITIA determined he was not to blame.
Women’s counterpart Swiatek also managed to accept a one-month suspension in November for testing positive to the banned substance trimetazidine.
The ITIA said they could not comment on the specifics of the accusations levelled against Purcell.
Prior to winning the US Open last year, Purcell also claimed the 2022 Wimbledon crown alongside fellow Australia Matthew Ebden.
Purcell also reached the second round of the singles draw at last year’s Australian Open, but had not been handed a Tennis Australia wildcard for next month’s event.
He was also not listed on the entry list for the qualifying tournament.
