Aussie tennis star Jordan Thompson slams 'joke' doping ban of compatriot Max Purcell - 'other people have done worse and they get a slap on the wrist'
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The pending doping ban of Australia's two-time doubles grand-slam winner Max Purcell has been labelled 'a joke' by his furious US Open-winning partner Jordan Thompson. Purcell, 26, was provisionally suspended over an alleged violation of tennis' anti-doping program - and it follows the four week ban served by world number two Iga Swiatek earlier this year.
![[The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on December 23 that Max Purcell (pictured) had voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension, after admitting to a breach relating to a prohibited method]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/28/05/93536227-14231619-The_International_Tennis_Integrity_Agency_ITIA_announced_on_Dece-m-32_1735363957668.jpg)
Italian star Jannik Sinner also avoided a ban in 2024 despite failing two anti-doping tests, which evoked a furious reaction from Aussie Nick Kyrgios. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on December 23 that Purcell had voluntarily accepted the suspension, after admitting to a breach relating to a prohibited method.
![[Max Purcell is yet to be informed how long he will be suspended (pictured left, after winning the US Open men's doubles final with Jordan Thompson)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/28/05/93536229-14231619-image-a-33_1735363981923.jpg)
Purcell, the world No.12 doubles player, elected to accept the provisional suspension, 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 pending doping ban of Australia's two-time doubles grand-slam winner Max Purcell has been labelled 'a joke' by his furious US Open-winning partner Jordan Thompson (pictured). The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on December 23 that Max Purcell (pictured) had voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension, after admitting to a breach relating to a prohibited method.
