Max Purcell, a two-time Grand Slam-winning doubles player, has initiated a voluntary provisional suspension in accordance with tennis’ anti-doping regulations. The International Tennis Integrity Agency disclosed the disciplinary action on Monday following the 26-year-old Australian’s acknowledgment of breaching Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, specifically concerning the utilization of a Prohibited Method.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Purcell confessed to “unknowingly receiving an IV infusion of vitamins exceeding the permissible limit of 100 ml.” He indicated that he had informed the medical clinic about the necessity for the infusion to remain under 100 ml due to his professional athlete status. However, upon receiving his medical records, it was evident that the IV had surpassed the specified threshold.
Expressing his dismay, Purcell emphasized his commitment to conforming to WADA safety protocols, stating, “This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who always makes sure that everything is WADA safe.” He voluntarily disclosed this information to the ITIA and endeavored to be as transparent as possible to resolve the situation promptly.
The ITIA clarified that the suspension became effective on December 12, with the time served during provisional suspension set to be considered in any subsequent sanctions. Nonetheless, the exact duration of the voluntary suspension was not outlined by the ITIA. During this period, Purcell is restricted from participating in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event under the auspices of ITIA members, including the ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon, and USTA.
Purcell, in partnership with compatriot Jordan Thompson, clinched the U.S. Open title in September and secured victory at Wimbledon alongside another Australian, Matthew Ebden, in 2022. Presently ranked 12th in doubles, Purcell has twice been a finalist in the Australian Open doubles competition, finishing as runner-up in 2020 and 2022.
Notably absent from recent Australian Open entry lists, Purcell, positioned at 105th in singles, did not receive a wildcard entry or feature in the qualifying draws. The ITIA did not explicitly attribute Purcell’s exclusion from the tournament commencing on January 12 to the suspension.
This development in the realm of tennis doping transpired shortly after Iga Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, accepted a one-month suspension subsequent to testing positive for the prohibited substance trimetazidine. Conversely, Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked men’s player and a two-time Grand Slam victor in the current year, was absolved by the ITIA following two instances of testing positive for minute traces of an anabolic steroid in March. The World Anti-Doping Agency has contested the ruling.
