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Doping ban: Aussie reveals devastating impact of drug breach
SEN • April 29th, 2025 5:51 pm
Australian tennis star Max Purcell has opened up on the devastating impact a doping breach has had on his life after being slapped with an 18 month ban from the sport.
At the end of 2024, Purcell entered a voluntary provisional suspension after admitting to a breach “relating to a prohibited method.”
At the time, the world doubles No 12, said he “unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100ml”.
After months of waiting, it was confirmed today by the International Tennis Integrity Agency that Purcell had accepted an 18-month ban which includes time already served.
It means the 27-year-old will be back on court in June 2026.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Purcell revealed the entire situation had had enormous impact on his health.
"As announced by the ITIA, l've accepted a settlement for a period of ineligibility of 18 months with a loss of earnings from December 16th 2023 - February 3rd 2024 (as February 3rd was my first doping test since December and returned a negative result, as all of my tests have)," he wrote.
"This case has been going on for months, seriously affecting my quality of 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 would receive.
"I was nothing but cooperative with the ITIA.
"I'm so glad this is finally over for me and I can move on with my life.
"The ITIA accepted that the infusion over the 100ml limit was not intentional. It's a case completely on exceeding the allowable limit of volume for an infusion. All substances in the infusion were WADA approved and beyond that, it provided me with zero performance enhancing benefit.
"It was 11 days prior to my first match of the season and was also administered at a 24/7 medical facility, in a third world location after feeling unwell and fatigued from training.
"I have accepted the mistake I made and will make sure I'm 2/3 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. Those who know me, know that I take my anti-doping duties very seriously."
An ITIA said in a statement said: “The player’s full co-operation and information sharing with the ITIA allowed for a 25 per cent reduction in sanction.
“The player will also forfeit results and prize money from the date of their first ADRV (16 December 2023) to their first subsequent negative doping control sample, which was provided on 3 February 2024.”
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