Two-Time Doubles Grand Slam Champion Provisionally Suspended

There will be another high-profile case before the end of the 2024 season, as a two-time Grand Slam champion, Max Purcell, entered a provisional suspension.

Purcell is one of the most talented doubles players on the ATP Tour. In his career, he also enjoyed some success in singles, climbing to the World No. 40 position in 2023.

In doubles, his career high was eighth place last year, and he was set to start the 2025 season ranked 12th. Now, however, his plans changed, as he entered a provisional suspension, as confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

But Purcell's case isn't a standard doping case. The circumstances are relatively rare, as it was the Australian player who asked the ITIA to enter a provisional suspension.

On December 10th, 2024, the 26-year-old player requested to start a voluntary provisional suspension under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP).

The ITIA's response came two days later. Purcell started the provisional suspension on December 12th, 2024. According to the ITIA, the reason why the Australian player asked for a suspension was because he "has admitted to a breach of Article 2.2 of the TADP relating to the use of a Prohibited Method."

The violation of the "prohibited method" rules is relatively rare. Those include the manipulation of blood and blood components, chemical and physical manipulation, as well as gene and cell doping.

At this time, it's not clear which of these rules Purcell violated, but he tried to be clever about the possible suspension, entering the provisional suspension during the off-season, which means he will have already one month served before the new season even begins.

Of course, during the period of the provisional suspension, Purcell is not allowed to enter any ATP or ITF tournaments.

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In his career, Purcell played in five Grand Slam doubles finals. His first came already at the 2020 Australian Open, but he lost with Luke Saville to Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury.

Two years later, Purcell was on the losing end of the Australian Open final again, losing with Matthew Ebden to Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis. Only a few months later, however, he and Ebden won their maiden Wimbledon title.

In 2024, Purcell played with another compatriot, Jordan Thompson. They reached a Wimbledon final but didn't succeed against Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten. A few months later, however, they lifted the trophy at the US Open, beating Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz.

In the coming months, Purcell won't challenge for any majors, as he won't be able to compete until his provisional suspension is lifted. This also impacts Thompson. The duo was supposed to be seeded third at the Australian Open.

In singles, on the other hand, Purcell was the sixth alternate into the main draw, and surprisingly, he didn't receive a wild card from Tennis Australia. They also kept one wild card spot free, likely aware of Purcell's case and awaiting resolution.

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