The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday that Max Purcell, a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, has voluntarily suspended himself following a breach of anti-doping rules.
Max Purcell, an Australian who is currently ranked 12th in the world for doubles, acknowledged his violation which involved a “prohibited method.”
He took the initiative to request a provisional suspension on December 10, and the ITIA confirmed that time served under this provisional suspension will count toward any future penalties, with the suspension officially starting on December 12.
During this suspension, the 26-year-old will not be allowed to participate in, coach at, or attend any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies or national associations. As a result, he will not be able to compete in the upcoming Australian Open at Melbourne Park in January. 
Max Purcell achieved notable success in his career, winning the Wimbledon doubles title in 2022 with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and the US Open crown this year alongside Jordan Thompson.
Tennis Australia highlighted that the breach pertains to a prohibited method rather than the presence of a prohibited substance. They emphasized the importance of the ongoing investigation, stating, “As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
The ITIA has previously addressed similar cases. Top-ranked player Jannik Sinner was exonerated after testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, while Iga Swiatek received a one-month sanction for a positive test involving a banned heart medication.
Both Sinner and Swiatek are expected to compete in the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
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