Tennis hit with another controversy after Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner as US Open doubles champ Max Purcell accepts provisional doping suspension

Following Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek's failed doping tests this year, tennis has been hit with another controversy as Australian doubles specialist Max Purcell has entered into a voluntary provisional anti-doping suspension.

According to a statement released by the ITIA, Purcell, who won the 2024 US Open doubles title along with Jordan Thompson, "has elected to enter into a voluntary provisional suspension under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP)."

The 26-year-old Aussie, currently ranked World No. 12 in doubles, has voluntarily entered into a provisional suspension after "admitting to a breach of Article 2.2 of the TADP relating to the use of a Prohibited Method."

That rule reads: "Doping is defined as ... Use or Attempted Use by a Player of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method, unless the Player establishes that such Use or Attempted Use is consistent with a TUE granted in accordance with Article 4.4."

Purcell formally requested the suspension on December 10, 2024, which took effect two days later on December 12.

Any time served during this suspension will count toward any potential future penalties. Further, while under provisional suspension, Purcell is barred from participating in any capacity—whether as a player, coach, or attendee—at tennis events sanctioned by the ATP, ITF, WTA, or member organizations.

Purcell boasts an impressive resume that includes doubles titles at the 2024 US Open alongside Jordan Thompson and the 2022 Wimbledon Championship with Matt Ebden.

The specifics of Purcell’s violation remain unclear, as the ITIA declined to provide further details in their statement. The investigation is ongoing, leaving many questions unanswered about the alleged breach.

Purcell’s case adds to a growing list of doping controversies that have shaken tennis in 2024. Earlier this year, Jannik Sinner tested positive for clostebol twice in March. He was given a no-guilt verdict by the ITIA but the Italian's case is currently ongoing after WADA appealed against the ITIA's ruling.

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek also recently served a one-month ban for a doping violation. She tested positive for trimetazidine in August and accepted her suspension.

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Max Purcell surprisingly absent from the Australian Open singles entry list, set to feature in doubles with Jordan Thompson

Max Purcell at the Nitto ATP Finals 2024 (Image: Getty)

Max Purcell’s absence from the Australian Open singles entry lists, published earlier this month, has raised questions following the revelation of his provisional doping suspension. World No. 105, the Aussie narrowly missed the main draw cut-off and did not receive a wildcard.

While the omission initially appeared unconnected, it now seems tied to his decision to begin a provisional suspension on December 10.

Interestingly, Max Purcell remains listed in the doubles draw alongside Jordan Thompson. The pair, seeded third, are set to compete, making his absence from singles even more notable amid the ongoing investigation into his alleged anti-doping violation.