Australia’s Max Purcell, the reigning US Open doubles champion alongside Jordan Thompson, has entered a voluntary provisional suspension under tennis’ anti-doping rules.

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The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed the 26-year-old admitted to breaching Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program “relating to the use of a Prohibited Method”.

That rule reads: “Doping is defined as … Use or Attempted Use by a Player of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method, unless the Player establishes that such Use or Attempted Use is consistent with a TUE granted in accordance with Article 4.4”.

Purcell was not on the Australian Open entry lists published earlier this month. He just missed the main draw cut-off, currently ranked No.105 in the world, but did not receive a wildcard. He was also not on the qualifying entry list.

His omission is likely linked to the suspension, as Purcell chose to begin his provisional ban on December 10. He made the second round at Melbourne Park in 2024, losing to No.11 seed Casper Ruud.

Purcell is currently ranked No.12 in the world in doubles, having won both the 2024 US Open (with Jordan Thompson) and 2022 Wimbledon (with Matt Ebden) titles, while he has lost twice in the Australian Open final, in 2020 and 2022.

“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 Programme (TADP),” a statement read.

“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.

“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.

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

“The ITIA is an independent body established by its tennis members to promote, encourage, enhance, and safeguard the integrity of their professional tennis events.”