In what has been a delicate topic this year, another tennis doping ban has materialised in the past 24 hours, only this time, an Australian is in the thick of it.
Yesterday, Australian tennis was rocked by the news involving two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell, linked with an anti-doping ban by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Purcell, world No.12 in doubles, entered voluntary provisional suspension after breaching Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program “relating to the use of a Prohibited Method”.
"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)," a statement from the ITIA 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."
Hours later, Purcell shared a post on Instagram explaining he had “unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins”.
What makes this case rare is the “Prohibited Method” terminology instead of “Prohibited Substance”.
In the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA’s) 24-page Prohibited List, one page is assigned to Prohibited Methods.
Prohibited Methods can include the following:
Manipulation of blood and blood components
Chemical and physical manipulation
Gene and cell doping
WADA's full explanation of the different forms of Prohibited Methods is shown below:
In Purcell’s case, he admitted to violating Rule M2.2 under the chemical and physical manipulation category, which states the following:
“Intravenous infusions and/or injections of more than a total of 100 mL per 12-hour period except for those legitimately received in the course of hospital treatments, surgical procedures or clinical diagnostic investigations.”
Ranked No.105 in singles, Purcell marginally missed out on direct entry for the 2025 Australian Open, but Tennis Australia did not offer him a wildcard, which at the time was a head-scratcher considering he pushed three-time major finalist Casper Ruud to five sets in the second round at Melbourne Park nearly 12 months ago.
Tennis Australia (TA) released a statement involving the matter.
"Max Purcell has admitted to a breach of the tennis anti-doping programme and entered a voluntary provisional suspension from 12 December," TA said.
"The ITIA confirmed the breach relates to the use of a Prohibited Method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.
"As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time."
There had been quick speculation surrounding Purcell's exclusion from the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga last month that this doping case was related, but the Aussie Olympian confirmed in his statement that he was "fully convinced" he had done everything right until last week when he received the medical records.
That means his injury issue suffered around the foot/ankle area during the August and September period was also not connected in any form.
His last match this year was on November 16 at the Nitto ATP Finals, partnering Australian compatriot Jordan Thompson for the doubles in their semi-final loss.
Purcell will now await a verdict to learn the length of his ban.