Two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended for breaching anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed on Monday.
The 26-year-old Australian, currently ranked 12th in the world for doubles, admitted to using a prohibited method and voluntarily requested a provisional suspension starting December 10, 2024. His ban officially took effect on December 12 and will count toward any future sanction.
Under the suspension, Purcell is barred from participating in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorized by the sport’s governing bodies or national associations. This also rules him out of competing in the Australian Open, set to begin on January 12, 2025.
Purcell’s career achievements include winning the Wimbledon doubles title in 2022 with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and securing the US Open doubles crown in 2024 alongside Jordan Thompson.
Tennis Australia clarified that the breach involved a “prohibited method” rather than the use of a banned substance. “As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” Tennis Australia said in a statement.
The ITIA has remained tight-lipped on the specifics of the violation, stating only that the provisional suspension aligns with its commitment to maintaining integrity in tennis.
Purcell’s case follows recent high-profile doping violations, including those involving Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Poland’s Iga Swiatek. While Sinner was cleared of wrongdoing after traces of the banned steroid clostebol were found in his system earlier this year, Swiatek received a one-month ban for testing positive for a prohibited heart medication in August.
Both Sinner and Swiatek are expected to compete in the upcoming Australian Open.
Purcell’s suspension casts a shadow over the tennis world as it grapples with issues of fairness and integrity ahead of one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
