Max Purcell to miss Australian Open after accepting ban for anti-doping breach
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Australian tennis player Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended over an alleged violation of the sport’s anti-doping program. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday that the two-time doubles grand slam winner 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. It means the 26-year-old will at this stage not be able to compete at the Australian Open, months after winning the US Open doubles title alongside compatriot Jordan Thompson in September.
The ITIA has not yet specified the length of the ban Purcell was potentially facing, nor the details of the breach other than it being a prohibited method. “Purcell … 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 ITIA said in a statement.
“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, Federation Francaise de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association.”.
