Two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has voluntarily accepted a suspension for violating anti-doping rules, the International Tennis Integrity Agency , ITIA,  announced on Monday.

Purcell, currently ranked 12th in the world for doubles, admitted to a breach involving the use of a “prohibited method” and requested a provisional suspension on December 10.

Specific details of the violation were not disclosed. The suspension took effect on December 12, with time served under provisional suspension counting toward any future sanctions.

As part of the suspension, the 26-year-old is barred from participating in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by governing bodies or national associations. This means he will be unable to compete in the Australian Open in January.

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Purcell, who won the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and the 2023 US Open title with Jordan Thompson, was involved in a violation related to a prohibited method rather than a banned substance. Tennis Australia confirmed this detail, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

The ITIA is the same organization that has handled anti-doping cases involving top players, including Jannik Sinner and Iga Świątek. Sinner, who tested positive for traces of clostebol earlier this year, was exonerated, although the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision. Świątek, who tested positive for a banned heart medication, was given a one-month suspension after the ITIA determined the violation was unintentional.

Both Sinner and Świątek are expected to compete at the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.

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