Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has accepted an anti-doping suspension handed out by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Purcell, ranked No.105 in singles and No.12 in doubles, suffered an issue in the ankle and foot area during the midst of his doubles triumph with partner Jordan Thompson at Flushing Meadows in September.
A statement from the ITIA explained in detail what has transpired in the past couple of weeks, including Purcell's decision to enter provisional suspension 13 days ago.
"The International Tennis Integrity Agency today confirms that Australian tennis player Max Purcell has elected to enter into a voluntary provisional suspension under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP)," it read.
"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.
"The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of their professional tennis events."
Prohibited Methods can include the following:
Manipulation of blood and blood components
Chemical and physical manipulation
Gene and cell doping
Tennis Australia did not award a wildcard to Purcell for the 2025 Australian Open, despite marginally missing the automatic entry cut-off for singles.
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