Despite protests, Australian Tennis star banned 18 months for doping

Australia's two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has accepted an 18-month ban after breaching anti-doping rules, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old Purcell admitted to a breach of rules relating to the use of a "prohibited method" after unknowingly receiving an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowed limit of 100 ml in a 12-hour period.

He was provisionally suspended in mid-December.

He said at the time that he had told the clinic he was a professional athlete and that the infusion had to be less than 100 ml.

Purcell’s doubles teammate Jordan Thompson raged over the initial ban in late December.

"It’s a stitch-up. I mean, the guy took too much saltwater in an IV bag in Bali,” he said. "He was unwell, that’s why he went there. He went to the hospital."

"I have no good words for it. It’s a joke. I mean, guys are testing positive (for) performance enhancers, and he’s (Purcell) gone out and taken too much saltwater, and they’ve suspended him. Take off that what you will. Anyone looking at it goes, It’s so unfair," he stated.

The head of ITIA, Karen Moorhouse, says that despite the case being one that did not directly involve doping, the matter has been settled in order to protect the integrity of the sport.

"This case does not involve a player testing positive for a prohibited substance but demonstrates that the anti-doping rules are broader than that," ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said.

"It also shows 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's suspension will end on June 11, 2026, after taking into account time already served.

He is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the members of the ITIA until then.