Australian doubles star Purcell banned for 18 months for excessive infusions
The 27-year-old will be banned until June 11, 2026
Max Purcell Icon SMI / Panoramic
Former Wimbledon doubles champion Max Purcell has been banned for 18 months for two violations of the anti-doping programme.
According to the ITIA, the Independent Tennis Integrity Agency, Purcell received two intavenous vitamin infusions of more than 500ml in Bali on December 16 and 20, 2023, well over than the allowable level, in a 12-hour period, of 100ml.
The 27-year-old, a former world No 8 in doubles and No 40 in singles, admitted the breach and will be banned until June 11, 2026. He also loses money and ranking points from December 16, 2023 to February 3, 2024.
ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said: “This case does not involve a player testing positive for a prohibited substance but demonstrates that the anti-doping rules are broader than that. It also shows that 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 received a 25 percent reduction in his ban, the ITIA said, due to his full co-operation and information sharing during the case.
How the decision was reached
In December 2024, Purcell announced publicly, on his Instagram feed, that he was taking a voluntary provisional suspension while his case was examined. Talking of his infusions, he said: “I volunteered this information to the ITIA”.
However, the full decision in the case explains that in fact, the ITIA first got wind of possible violations through their investigation in the case of another player, before Purcell then gave them the details.
Furthermore, while Purcell said he had the IV because he was fatigued and unwell, the ITIA full decision reveals that messages between Purcell and the other player showed he had “discussed ways in which he could justify receiving infusions, including feigning illness”.
“I’m glad this is over and I can move on with my life”
The Australian, who won the Wimbledon doubles title in 2022 and the US Open title last year, said he was glad the case was over and that it accepted that his violation was unintentional.
In a statement on his Instagram page, Purcell said the case had affected his quality of life and that he was glad to get on with his life.
Why IV infusions over 100mls are not allowed
Though Purcell claimed that his infusions were not performance enhancing, the ITIA explained to reporters on Tuesday that in fact, they could be.
Furthermore, Wada outlines on its website the reason why they have put a limit of 100mls, in a 12-hour period, of such infusions.
