Mystery surrounds Aussie’s shock suspension

Two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell of Australia has voluntarily entered an unspecified suspension for a violation of the anti-doping code.

Tennis bosses announced the shock move on Monday, with the reigning doubles winner at the US Open and the 2022 Wimbledon champion (with Matt Ebden) off the circuit for an unannounced period.

The world No. 12 in the team game, who has most recently found success with compatriot Jordan Thompson, is facing a possible penalty for violations related to procedures and treatments rather than the usual ingestion of a prohibited substance.

The 26-year-old put himself on offer as antidoping officials go through the process of determining his guilt or innocence; any time served in suspension will apply to any eventual punishment.

“Max Purcell has admitted to a breach of the tennis anti-doping programme and entered a voluntary provisional suspension from 12 December,” a Tennis Australia statement read.
“The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the breach relates to the use of a Prohibited Method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.

“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

Australian media speculated the Purcell breach could be related to either masking or enhancing performance through methods including manipulation of blood components or drug-testing samples.

The suspension rules Purcell out of the Aussie tennis summer which begins later this week in Perth and Sydney with the mixed teams United Cup.