MELBOURNE, Australia — Max Purcell, a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension as part of tennis’s anti-doping regulations. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced this measure in a statement, indicating that the 26-year-old Australian has acknowledged a breach under Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program concerning the use of a Prohibited Method.
In a personal message shared on Instagram, Purcell explained that he had “unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins exceeding the allowed volume of 100 ml.” He mentioned that he had clearly communicated to the medical facility about the need for the infusion to remain below the stipulated limit for professional athletes. However, he later realized that the medical records indicated that the infusion had surpass the allowable threshold.
Describing his feelings as devastating, Purcell emphasized his commitment to maintaining the integrity of his athletic career, stating, “I take pride in ensuring that everything I undertake is compliant with WADA standards.” He added that he has cooperated fully with the ITIA and has aimed for complete transparency to resolve the situation.
The ITIA revealed that Purcell’s suspension will be effective from December 12, and any time spent under this provisional suspension will count towards any future penalties. However, the agency did not disclose the expected duration of this voluntary suspension.
During the provisional suspension period, Purcell is barred from participating in, coaching, or attending any tennis events that are authorized or sanctioned by organizations under the ITIA, including the ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, and other major tennis federations.
Purcell achieved notable success in the sport, having recently won the U.S. Open alongside fellow Australian Jordan Thompson in September. He also claimed the Wimbledon title in 2022 with Matthew Ebden. Currently, he is positioned at No. 12 in the doubles rankings and has been a finalist in the Australian Open doubles event on two occasions, in 2020 and 2022.
As for his singles ranking, Purcell stands at No. 105 and was absent from the Australian Open entry list made public earlier this month, not receiving a wildcard and failing to appear in the qualifying entries. The ITIA did not provide clarification regarding whether Purcell’s absence for the tournament, beginning January 12, is linked to his recent suspension.
This doping incident in the sport follows closely on the heels of five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, who faced a one-month suspension after testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine. Additionally, top men’s player Jannik Sinner, who has two Grand Slam titles this year, was cleared by the ITIA after testing positive for a trace amount of anabolic steroid, although the decision from the World Anti-Doping Agency is currently under appeal.