Nick Kyrgios believes tennis is ‘in the mud’ after Max Purcell was provisionally suspended for admitting a breach of anti-doping rules.
Australian star Purcell clinched Grand Slam doubles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2022 and 2024 respectively.
It was announced on Monday that Purcell has become the latest high-profile tennis player to face a suspension.
The news comes after Grand Slam singles winners Iga Swiatek and Jannik Sinner were both embroiled in doping controversies earlier this year.
‘Gee wiz our sport is in the mud at the moment,’ Kyrgios posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, amid news of his compatriot’s suspension.
Kyrgios, known for his notorious behaviour both on and off the tennis court, has been incredibly outspoken about drug cheating in the sport.
The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up has taken several public swipes at Sinner since it was announced that the world No.1 failed two anti-doping tests.
Purcell is now the player in the spotlight, though, with the 26-year-old taking a voluntary suspension after admitting he broke World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules relating to the ‘use of a prohibited method’.
The Aussie said he had ‘unknowingly received’ an intravenous infusion of vitamins which was above the 100ml limit allowed by WADA.
‘This news was devastating to me because I pride myself on being an athlete who always makes sure everything is WADA safe,’ Purcell said.
‘I volunteered the information to the ITIA and have been as transparent as possible to put this issue behind me.’
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has not detailed the length of Purcell’s ban – but said it was effective from December 12.
Purcell is provisionally banned from playing in, coaching at or attending any tennis event.
Kyrgios, meanwhile, is set to make his return to tennis following long-term injury problems and will be playing at the upcoming 2025 Australian Open.