Max Purcell provisionally suspended for anti-doping breach

London

Max Purcell, Australia’s top tennis player and two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension after breaching anti-doping rules. The 26-year-old, who won Wimbledon in 2022 and the US Open in 2024, admitted to violating Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) related to the use of a prohibited method.

Purcell, currently ranked No. 12 in doubles, requested the suspension to begin on December 10, 2024, and it was officially enacted two days later. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the suspension, noting that any time served under this provisional suspension will be counted towards future sanctions.

While the specifics of the violation remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation, Article 2.2 of the TADP addresses the use or attempted use of prohibited methods, with athletes being responsible for ensuring their compliance with anti-doping regulations.

During this suspension, Purcell is prohibited from participating in or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the ITIA, including tournaments governed by the ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, and others. The ITIA also confirmed that further details will not be provided until the investigation concludes.

Purcell, who turned professional in 2016, has achieved notable success in doubles, including his 2024 US Open victory with Jordan Thompson. He also reached the Australian Open doubles final in 2020 and 2022 and achieved a career-high singles ranking of No. 40 in October 2023.

The ITIA emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of professional tennis.