SYDNEY (AFP) – Two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell said yesterday he was “devastated” after taking a voluntary suspension for breaking anti-doping rules.
The Australian, who is ranked 12th in the world for doubles, admitted to breaching regulations relating to the use of a “prohibited method”.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said he “requested to enter into a provisional suspension on December 10”.
“Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction,” the ITIA added, with the ban coming into effect on December 12.
Under the suspension, the 26-year-old is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised by any of the sport’s governing bodies or national associations. It means he will currently not be able to play in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in January.
Purcell said he told the ITIA he had “unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100 millilitres”.
“I was fully convinced that I had done everything to ensure that I had followed the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) regulations and methods,” he said on Instagram, adding that he had been as transparent as possible.
“This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who always makes sure that everything is WADA safe.”
