Tennis
Wimbledon Champion Max Purcell Accepts 18-Month Ban For Breaching Anti-Doping Rules
Cai is a news and features writer that specialises in football, but has experience covering a variety of other sports, including darts, basketball, American football, MMA, boxing and more. He holds a degree in Football Journalism (BA Hons) from the University of Derby, and worked with Nottingham Forest FC and Burton Albion FC throughout his studies. Cai also has experience working in social media with the Football Association of Wales, where he worked on a freelance basis, and has also been an accredited writer in the JD Cymru Premier for both Y Clwb Pêl-Droed and welshfootie since the 2019/20 season.
Get to know Cai Parry betterPublished29 Apr 2025
Two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has accepted an 18-month ban from tennis after breaching anti-doping rules.
Australian tennis star Max Purcell has been banned from the sport for 18 months after accepting his punishment from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for breaching anti-doping rules.
The 27-year-old itted to the “use of a prohibited method” by “receiving intravenous infusions of over 500ml” of vitamins on December 16 and 20, 2023. This means that he did not test positive for a banned substance.
Purcell, a two-time Grand Slam doubles winner at Wimbledon in 2022 and the US Open in 2024, is ranked No. 12 in the world in doubles and has a career-high singles ranking of world No. 40.
From missing three championship points at Wimbledon to winning the title at the US Open!
Redemption for Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ZdCYnkcWeX
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2024
In a statement released on their website, the ITIA said: “Purcell itted to breaching Article 2.2 of the TADP (use of a Prohibited Method) by receiving intravenous infusions of over 500mL on 16 and 20 December 2023. The limit under the World Anti-Doping Code and TADP is 100mL in a 12-hour period.
“Following a full investigation by the ITIA, which included evidence gathering and interviews with the player, Purcell itted to the breaches.
“The player’s full co-operation and information sharing with the ITIA allowed for a 25% reduction in sanction.”
ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse added: “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.”
Max Purcell Accepts 18-Month Anti-Doping Breach Ban
Purcell responded to the news in a statement on his social media, writing: “I’ve accepted a settlement for a period of ineligibility of 18 months with a loss of earnings from December 16th 2023 – February 3rd 2024.
“This case has been going on for months, seriously affecting the quality of my life.
“From being unable to sleep and eat properly, and refusing to be by myself, to developing nervous and anxious tics which I still currently battle day to day. I couldn’t sit and enjoy anything without the thought of the case and the endless possibilities of what sanction I could receive.”
He continued: “I’m so glad the is finally over for me and I can move on with my life.
“I have accepted the mistake I made and will make sure I’m even more diligent with everything regarding the integrity of the sport. I pride myself on being a clean athlete and have never been anything but that.”
Purcell will be eligible to make his return to the court on June 12, 2026.