‘A joke’: Jordan Thompson hits out at doping ban for doubles partner Max Purcell
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The doping ban of Australia’s two-time doubles grand-slam winner Max Purcell has been described as “a joke” by his US Open-winning partner Jordan Thompson. The 26-year-old Purcell was provisionally suspended over an alleged violation of tennis’ anti-doping program. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday that Purcell had voluntarily accepted the suspension, after admitting to a breach relating to a prohibited method.
Purcell, the world No 12 doubles player, elected to accept the provisional suspension earlier this month, ruling him out of playing or coaching at any ATP and ITF events, including the four majors. In a statement posted on social media, Purcell claimed he had “unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100 ml”. The Sydney-born player also said he had told the medical clinic that the infusion needed to be below 100ml since he was a professional athlete, only to later see medical records that showed he had been given more than that level.
Thompson hit out at the suspension ahead of the Brisbane International which starts on Sunday. “It wasn’t great news for me and Maxy, especially Max,” Thompson said. “I think it’s a bit of a joke, but there’s not a lot I can do about it. “I don’t think he’s quite happy and neither am I to be honest. He took too much in an IV bag … to get suspended for that when there are other people who have done far worse and sometimes just get a slap on the wrist it’s a bit of a joke I think but it’s not up to me to decide what happens.”.
