MELBOURNE, Australia — Max Purcell, a two-time Grand Slam winning doubles player, has voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension under the anti-doping regulations of tennis. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced this decision in a statement, revealing that the 26-year-old Australian acknowledged breaching Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, which pertains to the administration of a prohibited method.
In an Instagram post, Purcell disclosed that he had “unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins” that exceeded the permissible limit set at 100 ml. He indicated that he specifically communicated to the medical facility that the infusion should remain under this threshold due to his status as a professional athlete. However, the medical records he later obtained indicated that the volume had surpassed the allowed limits.
“This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who prioritizes adherence to WADA standards,” Purcell stated. “I proactively reported this situation to the ITIA and have made every effort to be transparent in resolving this matter.”
According to the ITIA, Purcell’s provisional suspension became effective on December 12, and any time served under this suspension will count towards any future penalties. However, the agency did not disclose the duration of Purcell’s voluntary suspension.
During this provisional suspension, Purcell is forbidden from participating in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events that are sanctioned or authorized by the ITIA’s member organizations, which include the ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, the French Tennis Federation, Wimbledon, and the USTA, as well as any national associations.
Purcell gained significant recognition in September when he teamed up with fellow Australian Jordan Thompson to clinch the title at the U.S. Open and previously won Wimbledon in 2022 alongside Matthew Ebden. As of now, he holds a ranking of No. 12 in doubles competition.
In addition, Purcell has reached the Australian Open doubles final twice, finishing as a runner-up in both 2020 and 2022. Currently ranked No. 105 in singles, he was not included in the Australian Open entry lists released earlier this month and did not receive a wildcard, nor was he featured in the qualifying entries.
The ITIA did not clarify whether Purcell’s absence from the upcoming tournament, scheduled to begin on January 12, is linked to his suspension. This doping violation comes on the heels of notable incidents in the tennis world, including five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek’s acceptance of a one-month suspension for testing positive for the banned substance trimetazidine.
Additionally, Jannik Sinner, the top-ranked men’s player and two-time Grand Slam winner this year, was cleared of wrongdoing by the ITIA after testing positive for trace amounts of an anabolic steroid, leading the World Anti-Doping Agency to appeal the decision.