Max Purcell banned by International Tennis INtegrity Agency, anti-doping breach, US Open doubles champion

Australian two-time doubles grand slam winner Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended following a breach of tennis' anti-doping rules.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach of article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program.

The 26-year-old reigning US Open doubles champion's breach is "relating to the use of a prohibited method".

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The ITIA remained coy with details of the breach, but released a statement on Monday confirming the suspension.

"The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) today confirms that Australian tennis player Max Purcell has elected to enter into a voluntary provisional suspension under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program (TADP)," the statement said.

Max Purcell of Australia plays a forehand against Henri Squire of Germany during 2024 French Open - Day 2 at Roland Garros on May 27, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) Getty

"26-year-old Purcell, currently ranked world number 12 in doubles, has admitted to a breach of Article 2.2 of the TADP relating to the use of a Prohibited Method, and requested to enter into a provisional suspension on 10 December 2024.

"The suspension came into effect on 12 December 2024 and time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction."

The exact timing of the suspension has not been divulged as investigations begin.

"During the provisional suspension, Purcell is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorised or sanctioned by the members of the ITIA (ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon and USTA) or any national association," the ITIA's statement read.

Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell of Australia celebrate after defeating Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz of Germany. Getty

"As the matter is ongoing, the ITIA is unable to offer any further comment until its conclusion."

It's yet another layer to the growing anti-doping saga in the sport, with women's world No.2 Iga Swiatek recently being handed a one-month ban for a breach.

In August, it emerged that men's tennis world No.1 Jannik Sinner had escaped suspension despite testing positive for the banned anabolic steroid Clostebol in March.

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been vocal in his criticism of various punishments across the sport.

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