Australian Tennis Star Max Purcell Accepts 18-Month Doping Ban

Australian doubles champion Max Purcell accepts 18-month doping ban for breaching anti-doping rules.

Australian doubles champion Max Purcell has accepted an 18-month doping ban, announced the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

Purcell, 27, voluntarily suspended himself in December, stating he was “devastated” and hadn't intended to breach anti-doping rules. He admitted to receiving intravenous vitamin infusions exceeding 500ml on December 16 and 20, 2023, surpassing the 100ml limit within a 12-hour period.

The ban will conclude on June 11, 2026, factoring in his time out of the sport. Purcell will also forfeit results and prize money from December 16, 2023, to February 3, 2024.

Purcell's cooperation with the ITIA resulted in a 25% reduction in his sanction. ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse noted, “This case does not involve a player testing positive for a prohibited substance but demonstrates that the anti-doping rules are broader than that.”

Max Purcell doping case:

"the Player discussed ways in which he could justify receiving infusions, including feigning illness"

Crazy 💀 pic.twitter.com/aqrII5HnNc

— Swish 🍒 Tennis (@Zwxsh) April 29, 2025

Purcell stated on Instagram, “I have accepted the mistake I made and will make sure I'm even more diligent with everything regarding the integrity of the sport.” He is a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, winning Wimbledon in 2022 with Matt Ebden and the US Open in 2022 doesn't seem right based on the information given it should be 2024 with Jordan Thompson.

Purcell expressed relief on social media, saying, “I'm so glad this is finally over for me and I can move on with my life.” He revealed the case had taken a toll on him, leaving him unable to sleep or eat properly due to his worries.

Tennis has faced recent doping controversies, including cases involving top players. Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month ban after testing positive for a banned substance, while Jannik Sinner received a three-month ban for testing positive for the steroid clostebol. Sinner is set to return to action before the Rome Open, May 7-18.