'Devastating': Aussie grand slam champ reveals minor infraction ...

Australia’s Max Purcell, the reigning US Open doubles champion alongside Jordan Thompson, has entered a voluntary provisional suspension under tennis’ anti-doping rules.

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The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the 26-year-old admitted to breaching Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program “relating to the use of a Prohibited Method”.

That rule reads: “Doping is defined as ... 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”.

Purcell has since explained he told the ITIA he had broken the rule after he “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 had received was above 100ml, I was fully convinced that I had done everything to ensure that I had followed the WADA regulations and methods,” he shared on Instagram.

“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 100ml.

“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.”

Jordan Thompson (R) and Max Purcell (L) of Australia celebrates with their trophy after defeating Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz of Germany in their Men's Doubles Final match on Day Thirteen of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 07, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Purcell was not on the Australian Open entry lists published earlier this month. He just missed the main draw cut-off, currently ranked No.105 in the world, but did not receive a wildcard. He was also not on the qualifying entry list.

He made the second round at Melbourne Park in 2024, losing to No.11 seed Casper Ruud.

Purcell is currently ranked No.12 in the world in doubles, having won both the 2024 US Open (with Jordan Thompson) and 2022 Wimbledon (with Matt Ebden) titles, while he has lost twice in the Australian Open final, in 2020 and 2022.

“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),” a 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.

“The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of their professional tennis events.”