Max Purcell says the stress of dealing with an anti-doping investigation has resulted in him developing nervous ticks after he was handed an 18-month ban by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Purcell, who has won both the Wimbledon and US Open men’s doubles titles, accepted a provisional suspension last December for breaching Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program due to using a Prohibited Method. At the time he admitted to “unknowingly receiving an IV infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100ml”.
According to the ITIA’s report, Purcell had two infusions, which were both over 100ml within 12 hours. He didn’t have a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for such treatment and wasn’t experiencing a medical emergency at the time which would have allowed this. He could have been banned for up to four years but it has been agreed that the tennis star didn’t intentionally commit an anti-doping violation.
However, phone messages between Purcell and another unnamed player speaking about the infusions were discovered. In it, he was found to have said he requested the clinic staff not to keep a record of his infusion and discussed the ways he can justify receiving infusions such as illnesses. His internet history also showed searches about whether or not infusions are prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code. Evidence from Purcell’s phone also confirmed he often checked if supplements or treatments complied with the anti-doping code.
During Purcell’s investigation interview, he said he ‘likes to keep his physical state and preparations private’ when quizzed about comments about not keeping a record of his infusion. As to why he was looking at ways to justify an infusion, Purcell explained that he was concerned that the clinic wouldn’t believe he would need one.
“Following a full investigation by the ITIA, which included evidence gathering and interviews with the player, Purcell admitted to the breaches,” a statement from the ITIA read.
“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.”
Purcell is prohibited from competing or attending at all Tour-level events until June 12th, 2026 but has a right to appeal if he wishes. The start date of his ban has been backdated to when he accepted a provisional suspension.
Purcell breaks his silence
In a post on social media, the 27-year-old said he is ‘glad this is finally over’ and revealed the impact it has had on his mental health.
“This case has been going on for months, seriously affecting my quality of life,” Purcell wrote on Instagram.
“From being unable to sleep and eat properly, and refusing to be 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.”
Elaborating further, Purcell accepts he has made an error but states that he is a ‘clean’ athlete and has never deliberately taken a banned substance to enhance his performance.
“I have accepted the mistake I made and will make sure I’m even more diligent with everything regarding the integrity of the sport,” he continued.
“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. So seriously, that since December 2023, when I was added into the testing pool and asked to provide my whereabouts every single day, I even changed the background lock screen on my phone so I would never forget.
“I am excited for the challenge and hope you all get around me for my comeback when it’s time!
“I’d also like to thank everyone for their support – it’s meant everything to me.
“Tune in when chapter 2 is approaching. Much love.”
Purcell has been ranked as high as eighth in doubles and 40th in singles. He is the reigning US Open doubles champion and won the Wimbledon doubles title in 2022. Overall, he has earned more than $4M in prize money and won eight ATP titles.
