Another Player Banned For Doping After Jannik Sinner

If the news of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was not enough in the doping world, the ATP has another case in this category. This time, lightning has struck two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell. He has accepted an 18-month suspension as part of his agreement with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

The ITIA has confirmed that the former Wimbledon champion was subject to breaching Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP). The case mainly involves a “prohibited method” the Australian seems to have applied.

What Has the ITIA Said On the Doping Scandal?

According to the ITIA statement, “The ITIA sent the player a notice of a potential Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) on 12 December 2024, and on the same day, the player requested to enter into a voluntary provisional suspension, which came into effect immediately.”

“Following a full investigation by the ITIA, which included evidence gathering and interviews with the player, Purcell admitted to the breaches. The player’s full co-operation and information sharing with the ITIA allowed for a 25% reduction in sanction.”

What Has Max Purcell Said?

Purcell has gone to his Instagram account and shared a heartfelt statement on his doping saga. “This case has been going on for months, seriously affecting my quality of life. From being unable to sleep and eat properly, and refusing to be by myself, to developing nervous and anxious tics, which I still currently battle day to day. I couldn’t sit and enjoy anything without the thought of the case and the endless possibilities of what sanction I would receive.

“I was nothing but collaborative with the ITIA. I’m so glad this is over for me and I can move on with my life. The ITIA accepted that the infusion over the 100mL limit was not intentional. It’s a case completely on exceeding the allowable limit of volume for an infusion. All substances in the infusion were WADA-approved, and beyond that, it provided me with zero performance-enhancing benefit. It was 11 days prior to my first match of the season and was also administered at a 24/7 medical facility, in a third-world location, after feeling unwell and fatigued from training.”

What Happens To Purcell?

Going further into the investigation, Purcell was reported to have an intake of 500 mL intravenous infusions on December 16, 2023, and then on December 20, 2023. Per the ITIA conditions, a player cannot take more than 100 mL during 12 hours.

Per the ITIA ban, Purcell will remain banned until June 11, 2026. However, that is not the end of the punishment for the Australian. The former Wimbledon champion will relinquish all the prize money and ranking points from December 16, 2023-February 3, 2024.

The seriousness in this case is mainly associated with the Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek doping sagas. Both players have been criticized for not receiving enough punishment as they are high-profile players with plenty of financial power.