Max Purcell, an Australian tennis player and two-time doubles Grand Slam winner, has been temporarily suspended over an alleged anti-doping violation.
He reached his career-best singles ranking of No. 40 worldwide on October 16, 2023, and his highest doubles ranking of No. 8 on September 9, 2024.
Highlights
- Max Purcell explained that he unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins that exceeded the allowed limit of 100 ml.
- The medical records later showed that he was given more than permitted.
- The reason this method is banned is that it can easily be used to hide the use of actual performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Max made a mark in doubles when he won his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, partnering with Matthew Ebden.
In addition, Max has been a finalist at the 2020 Australian Open with Luke Saville and the 2024 Wimbledon with Jordan Thompson.
He made it to the semifinals at the 2021 US Open with Dayana Yastremska in mixed doubles.
Max also represented Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, playing doubles with John Peers.
Max Purcell Informed The Medical Clinic That The Infusion Should Stay Below The limit
On 23rd December, the International Tennis Integrity Agency revealed that Max Purcell has voluntarily accepted a suspension after admitting a violation involving a banned method.
The world No. 12 doubles player chose to accept the provisional suspension earlier this month, which means he is barred from playing or coaching at ATP and ITF events, including the four major tournaments.
Max Purcell, 26, will not be able to compete at the upcoming Australian Open due to a provisional suspension, just months after winning the US Open doubles title with Jordan Thompson in September.
Purcell explained on Instagram that he “unknowingly” received an IV infusion of vitamins that exceeded the allowed limit of 100 ml.
He had informed the medical clinic that the infusion should stay below the limit due to his status as a professional athlete.
Still, the medical records later showed that he was given more than the permitted amount.
He expressed disappointment, saying he always strives to ensure that everything he does complies with anti-doping rules.
Max added that he had been fully transparent with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) and hoped to move past the situation and return to the court soon.
The ITIA has not specified how long Purcell’s suspension will last or the exact details of the breach other than that it is related to a prohibited method.
The agency confirmed that Purcell admitted to violating a specific anti-doping rule and voluntarily accepted the provisional suspension on December 10, 2024.
The suspension took effect on December 12, and any time served under it will count toward any future penalty.
During this provisional suspension, Purcell is banned from playing in, coaching, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the ITIA, which includes the ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Wimbledon, and other tennis organizations.
Tennis Australia clarified that the violation involved a prohibited method, not a banned substance.
…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…
Max Purcell
The reason this method is banned is that it can easily be used to hide the use of actual performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
IV infusions are prohibited because they can help athletes boost their performance by increasing plasma volume, masking the use of banned substances, or altering the results of their Athlete Biological Passport.
Additional Information
- In July 2016, Max Purcell qualified for and won the Gimcheon Challenger in South Korea, defeating fellow Australian Andrew Whittington.
- At the time, he was the second-lowest-ranked player in 16 years to win an ATP Challenger title.
- In 2017, Purcell got a wildcard entry into the Australian Open doubles event, where he teamed up with Alex de Minaur.
