Max Purcell suspended for doping rule violation

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Aussie grand slam champion Max Purcell suspended over doping​

The Wimbledon and US Open champion has accepted a voluntary suspension after breaking tennis’ anti-doping regulations.

Australia’s Max Purcell, a two-time grand slam champion in men’s doubles, has taken a voluntary suspension over a breach of tennis’ anti-doping rules.

The 26-year-old from Sydney won the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with compatriot Matthew Ebden and then took out this year’s US Open alongside Davis Cup teammate Jordan Thompson.

Few details have been divulged about the breach, with the sport’s integrity agency releasing a statement confirming Purcell had entered a “voluntary provisional suspension”.

“The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Australian tennis player Max Purcell has elected to enter into a voluntary provisional suspension under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP),” the statement 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.”

Purcell’s suspension is the latest in a string of doping violations in tennis in recent times, with Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Simona Halep all caught breaching the rules and receiving a variety of punishments.

Australian star Nick Kyrgios has been one of the most vocal pundits over doping in the sport, particularly critical of current world No. 1 Sinner.

Purcell turned professional back in 2016 and has banked just over $7 million in career earnings to date.

He reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 40 in October last year, but has achieved by far his most success in the doubles arena.


Along with his two major titles, Purcell also reached the final of the Australian Open doubles in 2020 and 2022.

The Article 2.2 rule states: “Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following (each, an Anti-Doping Rule Violation): Use or Attempted Use by a Player of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method, unless the Player establishes that such Use or Attempted Use is consistent with a TUE granted in accordance with Article 4.4.”

It also adds: “It is each Player’s personal duty to ensure that no Prohibited Substance enters their body and that no Prohibited Method is Used.”

Purcell has not received a wildcard entry to next month’s Australian Open and is not on the qualifying entry list.

It appears likely that is related to his violation, but that is yet to be confirmed.


Purcell is relatively active on social media and has just over 30,000 followers on Instagram.

On November 25 he posted a series of photos of his season on the court with the caption: “2024, lotta ups lotta downs, life comes at ya fast. 2025, see you soon. can not wait.”

He also released a video saying he was “at home” in the Georgian city of Tbilisi and had been lazy in the off-season as he headed out to find a good coffee, needing to “uplift his spirits” being away from Australia.

There has been a mixed reaction to the news of his violation on social media, including confusion about Purcell’s actual offence.

Noted tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg tweeted: “Max Purcell, recent US Open doubles champ ranked #12 in ATP doubles and #105 in singles, has begun to serve a provisional suspension, just announced by ITIA.

“There are few details yet, but the case involves Purcell admitting a breach of a rule involving a “Prohibited Method”.

A tennis fan suggested: “This explains why he didn’t get a wildcard for the Australian Open or showed up in the qualifying draw. Also means Jordan Thompson will have to find an alternative doubles partner for the time being.”

Another commented: “So doping or something else? That statement is beyond cryptic.”
 
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D-Lite said:
Does anyone know what constitutes a 'prohibited method'? These anti-doping agencies really don't help themselves being so vague, surely?
Click to expand...
Could be something to do with method to enrich blood?

I find this:

Prohibited methods are classified as follows:
  1. Manipulation of blood and blood components.
  2. Chemical and physical manipulation.
  3. Gene and cell doping.




Typically, a substance or method will be considered for the WADA Prohibited List if the substance or method meets any two of the following three criteria:

  1. It has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance.
  2. It represents an actual or potential health risk to the athlete.
  3. It violates the spirit of sport.

www.usada.org

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List | USADA

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List outlines the banned substances and methods that are prohibited in sport.
www.usada.org www.usada.org
 
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There goes the image of the dinky-di Aussie! Sharapova got 15 months for carpet abuse. They should throw the book at this wild colonial boy.
 
Bartelby said:
It's not a question of decency. It's the best option because your eventual punishment is backdated.

If you think you won't be punished, which is very rare, then playing on is the smart option.
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Well it's a better look than creating flawed stories to prove your innocence and then being allowed to play and then WADA appeals the decision.
 
After getting lots of flak for suspending players like Bartunkova or Swiatek for contamination, ITIA might have got a clearer case. Still early, we lack information. Let us see what the man in question has to say:

As announced by the ITIA today, I have voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension since I unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100 ml. Until last week when I received medical records from a clinic showing that the amount of an IV I had received was above 100 ml, I was fully convinced that I had done everything to ensure that I had followed the WADA regulations and methods. But the records show that the IV was over that 100ml limit, even though I told the medical clinic that I was a professional athlete and needed the IV to be below 100 ml. This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who always makes sure that everything is WADA safe. I volunteered this information to the ITIA and have been as transparent as possible in trying to put this whole situation behind me. I look forward to being back
on the court soon.
Click to expand...

Hope no other Australian or other tennis player period uses similar methods, risky stuff.
 
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It was noted in medical records he got back and he voluntered this information to the WADA and took the provisional while they investigate.
 
vokazu said:
At least he has the decency to enter a voluntary suspension and does not try to create false stories.
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:rolleyes:

Players don’t agree to a voluntary provisional suspension because of “decency.” They do it when the alleged ADRV does not require a mandatory provisional suspension but they are offered a voluntary so that they can start their ban before the full investigation and ITIA (or tribunal) decision is made. If they don’t take a voluntary provisional suspension and continue to complete any results, points and prize money can be disqualified if they are subsequently found to have committee an ADRV.

Entering into a voluntary suspension isn‘t an admission of guilt. It considered to be “protecting the integrity of the sport“ while the full investigation is underway.
 
D-Lite said:
Does anyone know what constitutes a 'prohibited method'? These anti-doping agencies really don't help themselves being so vague, surely?
Click to expand...

They’re all spelled out in the current WADA Prohibited List.

The one at issue here appears to be in Section M2.2 which are the only prohibited methods which are Specified Methods (which are methods more likely [than other doping substances or methods] to be used by an athlete for a purpose other than the enhancement of sports performance and subject to potentially less penalty per TADP Article 10 including a mere reprimand and no period of suspension.)

M2.2 prohibits

“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.”

 
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RSJfan said:
:rolleyes:

Players don’t agree to a voluntary provisional suspension because of “decency.” They do it when the alleged ADRV does not require a mandatory provisional suspension but they are offered a voluntary so that they can start their ban before the full investigation and ITIA (or tribunal) decision is made. If they don’t take a voluntary provisional suspension and continue to complete any results, points and prize money can be disqualified if they are subsequently found to have committee an ADRV.

Entering into a voluntary suspension isn‘t an admission of guilt. It considered to be “protecting the integrity of the sport“ while the full investigation is underway.
Click to expand...
And I suppose it's very decent to keep employing your Physio and Fitness Trainer who caused you to have 2 positive doping tests, and then fired them after the news came out?
 
1. He specifically requested under 100ml, and was given a greater quantity so why is that his fault?

2. How would this even be apparent to the anti-doping authorities? Do they get sent paperwork/require testing immediately after? Or do they get a tip off? It's so confusing to follow.
 
D-Lite said:
1. He specifically requested under 100ml, and was given a greater quantity so why is that his fault?

2. How would this even be apparent to the anti-doping authorities? Do they get sent paperwork/require testing immediately after? Or do they get a tip off? It's so confusing to follow.
Click to expand...
How do we know what he requested?
 
jeroenn said:
It was noted in medical records he got back and he voluntered this information to the WADA and took the provisional while they investigate.
Click to expand...
It’s not something WADA would be involved in. He disclosed it to the ITIA which is the entity that administers the tennis anti-doping program.

It would be a strange doping strategy to commit an ADRV and then run to the ITIA to disclose the violation. Of course the conspiracy crew will suggest he’s been doping for years, realized the jig was up and ran to the ITIA to disclose the latest violation as a one-off error before they busted him. :sneaky:
 
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D-Lite said:
1. He specifically requested under 100ml, and was given a greater quantity so why is that his fault?

2. How would this even be apparent to the anti-doping authorities? Do they get sent paperwork/require testing immediately after? Or do they get a tip off? It's so confusing to follow.
Click to expand...

1. By his own admission he committed an ADRV under the TADP. ITIA offered him and he took a voluntary suspension while they investigate his story. If his story checks out he may be fine and he gets credit for the time of his voluntary suspension.

2. The ITIA was tipped off by Max Purcell. :cool:

3. It will get more confusing once Dr Raul weighs in.
 
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This is getting ridiculous.

2024 really is the year of "innocent" doping it seems. :rolleyes:

I'll at least give kudos to Purcell for just accepting it and none of the Sinner cream nonsense.
 
Georgia as Georgia the country? I believe there is some political turmoil happening right now in Georgia, his girlfriend lives there?
 
I don't know where Purcell lived in Georgia, but the coastal part, especially toward the south, has "good weather all year around," obviously comparable to northern Florida.
 
How often do people go in for IV vitamins?

I remember a runner being busted for getting a slightly too large dose of electrolytes after being severely dehydrated from some illness at a meet.
 
Bartelby said:
There goes the image of the dinky-di Aussie! Sharapova got 15 months for carpet abuse. They should throw the book at this wild colonial boy.
Click to expand...

Have little idea who this Max Purcell is as doubles is not particularly our cup of tea.
You wish to "throw the book" at him, is it? My goodness. Such a quick rush to judgement. You will need to calm down until you hear all the evidence.
You are obviously agitated and have some sort of personal vendetta against this Aussie Nationalist.

Note to gentle readers:
Oral supplements are effective for most healthy individuals. His use of blood transfusions as a method of vitamin delivery could indeed be considered a red flag.
But unlike our favourite agitated Bart we will continue to keep an open mind on this doping case.
:unsure:

2024 U.S. Open men’s doubles champion Max Purcell has admitted breaking anti-doping rules and has been provisionally suspended from tennis while under investigation.

Purcell has been suspended since December 12, having made the admission and requested to be provisionally suspended December 10. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the suspension December 23, saying that the Australian, 26, breached rules relating to the use of a “prohibited method,” rather than any positive test for a banned substance.

Purcell said in a statement on Instagram:

“I have voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension since I unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100ml. Until last week when I received medical records from a clinic showing that the amount of an IV I received was above 100ml, I was fully convinced I had done everything to ensure that I had followed the WADA regulations and methods.

“But the records show that the IV was over the 100ml limit, even though I told the clinic that I was a professional athlete and needed the IV to be under 100ml.”

According to the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA), “infusions or injections of 100 ml or less within a 12-hour period are permitted unless the infused/injected substance is on the Prohibited List.”

A “prohibited method” comes under three possible definitions in the WADA code: blood manipulation, widely referred to as blood doping; chemical and physical manipulation, which extends to all forms of tampering or doctoring either blood or urine samples and also covers intravenous infusions; and gene and cell doping. Purcell’s violation falls under chemical and physical manipulation.

Suspicions Surrounding IV Vitamin Infusions​

The use of IV infusions for vitamins in athletes is suspicious for several reasons:
  1. Excessive volume: Purcell's infusion exceeded the 100ml limit set by WADA, which is a red flag
  2. Unnecessary method: For most healthy individuals, oral supplements are adequate for maintaining vitamin levels
  3. Potential masking: IV infusions can potentially be used to mask other prohibited substances or methods.
 
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Boy, don't these stories all have the same theme but we are all supposed to believe every one of them?

Or is just the number one players in the world?

Those #1 dopers we are supposed to believe and the others get punished.

That is again why they need to fix the system and take excuses right out of the picture.
 
As usual with tennis, there's something more to this story.

More likely that someone reported this to ITIA and they gave the player the choice to self-report.

Then on the flip-side ITIA will praise him for self-reporting and a one-month suspension to be served in December.
 
I was sitting here wondering if perhaps the flatten the prize pool at tournaments so that a broader range of players can make a decent living if perhaps that will dissuade some players from doping to try to get to the top where the $$$ are limited to in today's model.

I don't know.. It is just really getting bad with ongoing doping announcements.
 
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socallefty said:
Why does an Australian tennis player live in Georgia? Does anyone know as it is not a tennis hotbed with year-round good weather?
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Central location, good middle ground for an active tour and AUS. I imagine he takes the flight to Istanbul (several daily) and flies Turkish around the world. Airport sucks but the Turkish airport and airline is great. Great food as well. Great tax system. Really cheap cost of living, he’s probably got a nice standard. Weather isn’t good year-round but it’s got good weather for a solid part of the year. It’s not a tennis hotbed but there is some tennis, not sure exactly what you’d be comparing to. Obviously not gonna be like US Spain or something but he probably can hit with some active sub-1000 guys. They have decent talent, there’s a lot of guys who aren’t active or didn’t have the means to pursue pro tennis but are still great ballstrikers, fitness levels would be an issue but still potential to practice with.

It is interesting for sure, I never knew until today and was quite surprised. I think he probably misses AUS a lot, dunno how well he actually handles Tbilisi but if it’s actually a decent fit for him it’s a smart set up honestly
 
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