Boris Becker hints at Iga Swiatek getting preferential treatment with his verdict on Max Purcell doping suspension

Boris Becker has recently hinted at Iga Swiatek receiving preferential treatment during her dopingcontroversy. The German's comments came when he spoke about Max Purcell's doping suspension.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced just over a week ago that Purcell had violated Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program which has to do with using a prohibited method.

Purcell posted a statement on Instagram on the same day stating that he had "unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100 ml" and had entered a voluntary provisional suspension under tennis' anti-doping rules.

The Aussie explained that he had informed the clinic to keep the infusion under 100 ml due to his status as a professional athlete, but medical records later revealed it exceeded the limit.

With the 2025 Australian Open scheduled to begin on January 12 and run through January 26, Max Purcell will miss the tournament due to his provisional suspension. The ITIA announced that the suspension took effect on December 12, but the duration of the suspension has not been specified.

On Monday, Boris Becker posted on X, wishing that Purcell's suspension had started after the Australian Open. He also made a sarcastic reference to Iga Swiatek’s doping controversy.

“Personally, I wish his provisional suspension starts after the Aussie Open! Didn’t @iga_swiatek choose her time of suspension….” - Boris Becker wrote.

This reference was made because Iga Swiatek participated in the 2024 US Open after testing positive for trimetazidine (TMZ) in August 2024. The positive test was linked to contamination in her prescribed sleep medication, and her suspension began on September 12, 2024, after the US Open concluded.

Jordan Thompson also joined Boris Becker in criticizing the ITIA over Max Purcell's suspension

Thompson and Purcell at the Nitto ATP Finals 2024 - Source: Getty

Following Max Purcell's suspension for violating anti-doping rules, his 2024 US Open-winning doubles partner, Jordan Thompson also joined Boris Becker to criticize the ITIA's handling of the suspension, calling it a "stitch-up."

“After we won the US Open, we were like, 'Yeah, let's go for our home slam now. It's not going to happen.' Yeah, it's a stitch-up. I mean, the guy took too much saltwater in an IV bag in Bali, I think. He was unwell. That's why he went there. He went to the hospital," Thompson said

He also questioned why Purcell was penalized for taking too much IV while other athletes use performanceenhancers.

“Yeah, I have no good words for it. It is a joke. I mean, guys are testing positive, performance enhancers, he's gone out and taken too much saltwater, they've suspended him. Take of that what you will. Anyone looking at it goes it's so unfair. I don't know. I don't know what is going to happen to him. Yeah, l've definitely got my strong thoughts on it," Thompson said.

Thompson is currently competing at the Brisbane International and defeated Matteo Berrettini in his first-round match. He will next face Alex Michelsen in the second round on Wednesday.