London After confessing to breaking anti-doping rules, Australian tennis player Max Purcell received an 18-month sentence. The two-time Grand Slam doubles winner said the incident had been “seriously affecting my quality of life” for a number of months.
In December 2024, the 27-year-old, who won significant championships at the US Open in 2024 and Wimbledon in 2022, was placed on provisional suspension. On two times in December 2023, he acknowledged utilizing a forbidden technique, which is intravenous infusions of vitamins in excess of the permissible level.
IV infusions are limited to 100ml every 12-hour period by the World Anti-Doping Code and Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP). The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) opened an inquiry when Purcell’s infusions topped 500 milliliters.
In a statement, ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said, “This case shows that the anti-doping regulations are broader than that, even though it does not involve a player testing positive for a prohibited substance.” “It also demonstrates that the ITIA takes into account intelligence from various sources with the primary goal of safeguarding all individuals covered by the tennis anti-doping regulations and guaranteeing fair play for all.”
Purcell acknowledged the violations after a comprehensive investigation that included interviews and the collection of evidence. He received a 25% sentence reduction for his complete cooperation. Therefore, considering the time he has already spent since his interim suspension, his ban will expire on June 11, 2026.
All results, ranking points, and prize money obtained between December 16, 2023, when he committed his first rule infraction, and February 3, 2024, when he received his first subsequent negative drug test, must be forfeited by Purcell in addition to the suspension.
Purcell posted an emotional message on social media, expressing pleasure that the lawsuit was now finished: “I’m glad this is finally over for me.” He wrote, “I can go on with my life.” “This case has taken a real toll, from developing nervous and anxious tics to refusing to be alone, to having trouble sleeping and eating properly.”
This is the most recent high-profile tennis anti-doping case. Current world men’s No. 1 Jannik Sinner is serving a three-month suspension that will expire in the first week of May after two positive tests in 2023, while five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek just agreed to a one-month ban following a failed test.