SYDNEY: Australia’s two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has accepted an 18-month ban after breaching anti-doping rules, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Tuesday.

Purcell admitted to a breach of rules relating to the use of a “prohibited method” after unknowingly receiving an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowed limit of 100 ml in a 12-hour span and entered into a provisional suspension in mid-December.

The world number 12 said at the time he had informed the clinic he was a professional athlete and that the infusion had to be less than 100 ml.

The ITIA said the 27-year-old had received IV infusions of more than 500 ml twice in late 2023 but his full cooperation and information sharing during the investigation had allowed for a 25% reduction in sanction.

“This case does not involve a player testing positive for a prohibited substance but demonstrates that the anti-doping rules are broader than that,” ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said. “It also shows the ITIA considers intelligence from a range of sources with the overriding aim to protect everyone covered by the tennis anti-doping rules, and ensure a level playing field for all.”

Purcell’s suspension will end on June 11, 2026, after taking into account time already served.

Purcell won the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title alongside fellow Australian Matt Ebden and the US Open crown in 2024 with Jordan Thompson.

In his social media post, Purcell said he had been unable to sleep and eat properly because of his worries over the case.

“I’m so glad this is finally over for me and I can move on with my life,” he added.

Purcell will forfeit results and prize money from the date of his first anti-doping rule violation on December 16, 2023, to his first subsequent negative doping control sample provided on February 3, 2024.

It is the latest doping controversy in tennis.

Former women’s number one Iga Swiatek is back in action after last year accepting a one-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance.

Men’s number one Jannik Sinner has been out of action since accepting a three-month doping ban in February after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March last year.

The three-time Grand Slam winner is due to return before the Rome Open, which runs from May 7-18.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2025