The Australian, currently ranked 12th in doubles, acknowledged a breach concerning the use of a "prohibited method" and requested a provisional suspension starting December 10. Specific details regarding the breach have not been disclosed.
The ITIA stated, "Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction," with the suspension officially commencing on December 12.
During this period, the 26-year-old is barred from participating in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport's governing bodies or national associations. Consequently, he will be unable to compete in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in January.
Purcell secured the Wimbledon doubles title in 2022 with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and won the US Open this year alongside Jordan Thompson. Tennis Australia clarified that the violation pertains to a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.
"The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed that the breach involves the use of a prohibited method, not the presence of a prohibited substance," the organization stated in a release to Australian media. "Given that the matter is under investigation, further comments are not appropriate at this time."
The ITIA is also the body that charged top-ranked Jannik Sinner and world number two Iga Swiatek for violations of its anti-doping program. Sinner was cleared after testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March, and he is currently awaiting the outcome of a World Anti-Doping Agency appeal regarding that decision.
Swiatek tested positive for a banned heart medication in August but was deemed to have committed the violation unintentionally, resulting in a one-month suspension.
Both are anticipated to compete in the Australian Open, commencing January 12th.