By Richard Pagliaro |
@Tennis_Now |
Friday, May 2, 2025
Photo credit: Graham Denholm/Getty
Nick Kyrgios has voiced his concerns regarding the apparent inconsistency in doping penalties within tennis.
The recent 18-month suspension of Australian player Max Purcell, who admitted to exceeding the intravenous infusion limit of vitamins, has intensified Kyrgios’ assertion that the sport’s anti-doping measures are flawed.
Purcell, the reigning US Open doubles champion, accepted an 18-month suspension after breaching the Tennis Anti-Doping Program by receiving over 500 milliliters of intravenous vitamins on two occasions in December 2023.
This limit is strictly set at 100 milliliters within a 12-hour period under the World Anti-Doping Code and TADP regulations.
Following his suspension, Purcell will be eligible to return on June 12, 2026, but will lose control of around $200,000 in prize earnings.
In a candid social media post, Kyrgios expressed, “Can we really justify this ban over vitamins? It’s time to acknowledge the flaws in the system!”
Isn’t it ridiculous how Purcell’s ban centers on vitamins? Can we truly defend this? Or is it time we admit the system is broken? 😂
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) April 30, 2025
Kyrgios also highlighted a troubling inconsistency, noting that world No. 1 Jannik Sinner is serving a mere three-month suspension, contrasting sharply with the stricter penalties faced by others like former No. 1 Simona Halep.
Unlike Purcell, who faces an extensive penalty, Sinner was allowed to compete while his case was under appeal, creating an uneven playing field in the sport.
Sinner’s suspension, which runs from February 9 to May 4, 2025, stems from two low-level positive tests for the banned substance clostebol, as confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency.
The tribunal concluded that Sinner was not at fault for the contamination, allowing him to continue competing, a situation that many—including Novak Djokovic—consider perplexing.
“Many players question the fairness and suspect favoritism in this ruling,” Djokovic remarked, emphasizing that others facing more severe penalties feel overlooked.
Addressing the disparity in treatment, Djokovic pointed out that players like Halep and Tara Moore have been met with tougher consequences despite their situations.
Sinner maintains his innocence, stating, “The weight of this case has lingered for nearly a year, but I accept WADA’s regulations as vital for the sport’s integrity.”
In a recent interview with Italian public broadcaster Television Network TG1, Sinner affirmed that while he respects public opinion, his focus remains on his performance in upcoming matches.
“Critiques are part of the game, but I know the truth of my situation. I look forward to returning to the court and getting back to competition.”
