It is becoming all too familiar in professional tennis. Australian doubles player Max Purcell is the latest player to deal with a doping issue, following Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek earlier this year.
Purcell, 26, is a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion including Wimbledon 2022 and the 2024 US Open, and a two-time Grand Slam finalist (Australian Open 2020 and 2022).
Their first Grand Slam doubles title as a team!
You’ve earned every bit of it, @MaxPurcell98 and @jordanthommmo2 🙌 pic.twitter.com/elHuFKlEJ2
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2024
Iga Swiatek stated recently that no two cases are the same and should not be compared.
Max Purcell Is Provisionally Suspended
Purcell began serving a provisional suspension on December 12. The International Tennis Integrity Agency has indicated he used a “prohibited method” though no one has defined what that means.
Max Purcell knowingly received intravenous infusions of vitamins. He told the clinic the volume had to be below 100 ml because he is a professional athlete. Purcell learned through a medical report that the level was above 100 ml. He said: “I volunteered the information to the ITIA and have been as transparent as possible to put this issue behind me.”
Purcell is “devastated” by this turn of events. He would have received an Australian Open wildcard for singles. Purcell will miss the Australian swing of the tennis season beginning later this week when the United Cup kicks off in Perth.
Purcell’s Case Is Confusing
It is difficult to understand Max Purcell’s case because not all of the information has been released. The ITIA is investigating the matter. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek appealed their doping cases for a quicker resolution, but Purcell has admitted guilt.
Sinner and Swiatek’s matters were resolved by the ITIA. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is reportedly looking into Sinner’s case and will make a ruling in 2025.
