SYDNEY: Two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell has taken a voluntary suspension for breaking anti-doping rules, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said Monday.
The Australian, who is ranked 12th in the world for doubles, admitted to a breach of the regulations relating to the use of a “prohibited method” and had “requested to enter into a provisional suspension on December 10.”
No other details were divulged.
“Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction,” the ITIA said, with the ban coming into effect on December 12.
Under the suspension, the 26-year-old is prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorized by any of the sport’s governing bodies or national associations.
It means he will currently not be able to play in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in January.
Purcell won the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title alongside fellow Australian Matt Ebden and the US Open crown this year, partnered by Jordan Thompson.
Tennis Australia stressed that the breach related to a prohibited method, rather than a prohibited substance.
“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance,” it said in a statement carried by Australian media.
“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
The ITIA is the same organization that charged top-ranked Jannik Sinner and world number two Iga Swiatek over breaches of its anti-doping program.
Italy’s Sinner was exonerated after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March.
He is currently awaiting the outcome of a World Anti-Doping Agency appeal against the decision.
Swiatek tested positive for a banned heart medication in August.
But the ITIA accepted that the violation was not intentional and the Polish star escaped with a one-month sanction.
Both are expected to play at the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
Australian tennis star Purcell provisionally suspended for doping
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Australian tennis star Purcell provisionally suspended for doping
- Tennis Australia stressed that the breach related to a prohibited method, rather than a prohibited substance
Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia nears finish as Stage 12 heads to Yanbu
YANBU: Stage 12 of the Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia concluded on Friday. It followed a demanding route from Al-Henakiyah to Yanbu, during which competitors covered a total of 720 kilometers, including 311 kilometers in the timed special stage, as the rally edged closer to its final showdown.
In the Ultimate category, Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah of Dacia Sandriders won the stage in a time of three hours, 21 minutes and 52 seconds — a minute and four seconds ahead of American driver Mitch Guthrie of Ford Racing, who was just 21 seconds ahead of Australia’s Toby Price of Toyota Gazoo Racing in third.
Emirati driver Sheikh Khalid Al-Qasimi of Team SVR completed the stage 31 minutes and 38 seconds off the lead, while his teammate Khalid Al-Jafla crossed the line one hour, 11 minutes and 23 seconds behind the stage winner.
In the Bikes category, American rider Ricky Brabec of Energy Honda took first place after completing the stage in 3:19:01. Argentina’s Luciano Benavides of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing came second with a time of 3:22:44, while Brabec’s Spanish teammate Tosha Schareina came third, finishing 12 minutes and 58 seconds off the lead.
In the Challenger category, Argentina’s Kevin Benavides of Odyssey Academy claimed his stage victory with a time of 3:44:52. His Saudi teammate Dania Akeel was second with a time of 3:47:07, and his fellow Argentinian David Zille of BBR Motorsport placed third, three minutes and 37 seconds behind Benavides.
The SSV category also delivered a close finish, with Argentina’s Jeremias Gonzalez Ferioli of Can-Am Factory Team LATAM first across the finish line in 3:51:36 — six minutes and 55 seconds ahead of Portugal’s Joao Monteiro of Can-Am Factory Team and seven minutes, 39 seconds ahead of Monteiro’s American teammate Hunter Miller in third.
The Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia concludes on Saturday, Jan. 17, with its thirteenth stage, which spans a total of 138 kilometers, including a timed special stage of 105 kilometers.
