Aussie grand slam champion Max Purcell suspended over doping

The Wimbledon and US Open champion has accepted a voluntary suspension after breaking tennis’ anti-doping regulations.

Australia’s Max Purcell, a two-time grand slam champion in men’s doubles, has taken a voluntary suspension over a breach of tennis’ anti-doping rules.

The 26-year-old from Sydney won the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with compatriot Matthew Ebden and then took out this year’s US Open alongside Davis Cup teammate Jordan Thompson.

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Few details have been divulged about the breach, with the sport’s integrity agency releasing a statement confirming Purcell had entered a “voluntary provisional 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 Programme (TADP),” the statement read.

Max Purcell (left) and Jordan Thompson won this year’s US Open in New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

“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.

“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.

“As the matter is ongoing, the ITIA is unable to offer any further comment until its conclusion.”

Max Purcell issues statement

In a statement on Instagram Purcell said: “As announced by the ITIA today, I have voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension since I unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100ml.

“Until last week when I received medical records from a clinic showing that the amount of an IV I had received was above 100ml, 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 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 is a member of Australia Davis Cup team. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for ITF)

Purcell’s suspension is the latest in a string of doping violations in tennis in recent times, with Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Simona Halep all caught breaching the rules and receiving a variety of punishments.

Australian star Nick Kyrgios has been one of the most vocal pundits over doping in the sport, particularly critical of current world No. 1 Sinner.

After the news of Purcell’s suspension emerged, Kyrgios wrote on X: “Gee wiz our sport is in the mud at the moment.”

Purcell turned professional back in 2016 and has banked just over $7 million in career earnings to date.

He reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 40 in October last year, but has achieved by far his most success in the doubles arena.

Purcell playing singles at this year’s French Open. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Current men’s No. 1 Jannik Sinner also faced a doping controversy this year. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)

Along with his two major titles, Purcell also reached the final of the Australian Open doubles in 2020 and 2022.

The Article 2.2 rule states: “Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following (each, an Anti-Doping Rule Violation): Use or Attempted Use by a Player of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method, unless the Player establishes that such Use or Attempted Use is consistent with a TUE granted in accordance with Article 4.4.”

It also adds: “It is each Player’s personal duty to ensure that no Prohibited Substance enters their body and that no Prohibited Method is Used.”

Purcell has not received a wildcard entry to next month’s Australian Open and is not on the qualifying entry list.

It appears likely that is related to his violation, but that is yet to be confirmed.

Purcell is relatively active on social media and has just over 30,000 followers on Instagram.

On November 25 he posted a series of photos of his season on the court with the caption: “2024, lotta ups lotta downs, life comes at ya fast. 2025, see you soon. can not wait.”

He also released a video saying he was “at home” in the Georgian city of Tbilisi and had been lazy in the off-season as he headed out to find a good coffee, needing to “uplift his spirits” being away from Australia.

There has been a mixed reaction to the news of his violation on social media, including confusion about Purcell’s actual offence.

Noted tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg tweeted: “Max Purcell, recent US Open doubles champ ranked #12 in ATP doubles and #105 in singles, has begun to serve a provisional suspension, just announced by ITIA.

“There are few details yet, but the case involves Purcell admitting a breach of a rule involving a “Prohibited Method”.

A tennis fan suggested: “This explains why he didn’t get a wildcard for the Australian Open or showed up in the qualifying draw. Also means Jordan Thompson will have to find an alternative doubles partner for the time being.”

Another commented: “So doping or something else? That statement is beyond cryptic.”

Originally published as Aussie grand slam champion Max Purcell suspended over doping