Rookie lab error to blame for Purcell pickle

Max Purcell has lifted the curtain on his provisional doping suspension, with the reigning Grand Slam doubles champion explaining he was the victim of a medical lab error.

The world No. 12 who currently holds the US Open title with fellow Aussie Jordan Thompson was incorrectly injected with more than the legal 100 millilitres of vitamins.

Purcell reported himself to anti-doping bosses and has voluntarily accepted a suspension from tennis pending a verdict in his case.

But his explanation at least cleared up the mystery which had been left hanging by tennis officials who gave the bare minimum of details about the unusual case.

He posted on social media:

“I have voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension since I unknowingly received an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100 ml.”

“Until last week when I received medical records from a clinic showing that the amount of an IV I had received was above 100 ml, I was fully convinced that I had done everything to ensure that I had followed the WADA regulations and methods.”

“But the records show that the IV was over that 100ml limit, even though I told the medical clinic that I was a professional athlete and needed the IV to be below 100 ml.”

Purcell added: “This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who always makes sure that everything is WADA safe. 

“I volunteered this information to the ITIA and have been as transparent as possible in trying to put this whole situation behind me. I look forward to being back on the court soon.”