Boris Becker said the ITIA should suspend two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Max Purcell after the Australian Open.
Iga Swiatek, Max Purcell, Boris Becker (Images via X, BBC)
Boris Becker joined the discussion about the doping controversy and gave his verdict on social media. While giving his opinion on doubles player Max Purcell‘s provisional suspension, Becker seemingly hinted at Iga Swiatek getting preferential treatment from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
Swiatek served a one-month ban after banned heart medication trimetazidine was found in her sample in August. Purcell on the other hand, violated a doping rule when he, without knowing, received an intravenous infusion of vitamins above the allowable limit of 100ml.
He voluntarily entered provisional suspension, and as the investigation is still underway, he has been prohibited from playing. The ITIA has not yet decided when Purcell’s provisional suspension will end. Becker however stated that Purcell’s provisional suspension should have started after the Australian Open.
Personally, I wish his provisional suspension starts after the Aussie Open ! Didn’t @iga_swiatek choose her time of suspension….
Boris Becker wrote on X
Check out the tweet here:
Personally, I wish his provisional suspension starts after the Aussie Open !
Didn’t @iga_swiatek choose her time of suspension…. https://t.co/FfZ0Wv4IDI— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 30, 2024
The World No.2, after failing the drug test, was provisionally suspended for three weeks during which she missed three tournaments on the Asian swing (Korea Open, China Open, and Wuhan Open). Those weeks were a part of her one-month ban, which she served following her participation at the WTA Finals and Billie Jean King Cup. Because of the provisional suspension, the Pole also lost the No.1 ranking.
Boris Becker urges everyone to read facts before judging Jannik Sinner
Before Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner not receiving a lengthy ban divided the tennis world. Anabolic steroid clostebol was found in Sinner’s sample in March twice. The ITIA however disclosed this five months later.
As Sinner escaped a ban, many think he received preferential treatment because is a World No. 1 player. Boris Becker however urged the critics to read the facts before judging anyone.
On X, he reacted to a post about how the complexity of the process resulted in the delay of the announcement. The post also shared the statements of ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse and of Becker’s former protege Novak Djokovic who expressed his frustration with lack of consistency.
We should take time and read the facts !
Boris Becker wrote on X
Check out the tweet here:
We should take time and read the facts ! https://t.co/V6fTfD7fdE
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 30, 2024
Although ITIA declared that clostebol accidentally entered Sinner’s body, the Italian could face a lengthy ban if the verdicts given by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) don’t come out in his favor.
