THOMPSON LABELS PURCELL DECISION 'A JOKE' AND A 'HEAD-SCRATCHER'

A frustrated Jordan Thompson has defended Max Purcell, claiming his doubles partner's doping ban is "a joke" and called the need for consistency.

Earlier this week, a major bombshell rocked Australian tennis as Purcell accepted a voluntary provisional suspension handed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

Purcell was deemed to have violated Article 2.2 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program "relating to the use of a Prohibited Method".

The 26-year-old received an IV infusion of vitamins above the 100ml limit despite Purcell admitting he had told the medic clinic that he needed to receive an infusion below that number due to being a professional athlete.

In September, he claimed the men's doubles title at the US Open along with Thompson for their first major trophy as a pairing, with Purcell already having won Wimbledon with Matthew Ebden in 2022.

After hearing the news, Thompson shared his anger about the handling of the situation.

"It wasn't great news for me and Maxy, especially Max. I think it's a bit of a joke, but there's not a lot I can do about it," Thompson said.

"I don't think he's quite happy, and neither am I to be honest.

"He took too much in an IV bag, [so] to get suspended for that when there are other people who have done far worse and sometimes just get a slap on the wrist, it's a bit of a joke, but it's not up to me to decide what happens."

Asked whether the process required an overhaul, Thompson raised the point about too many inconsistencies.

"When you look at guys testing positive and then you have Max taking just too much in an IV bag, it's a head-scratcher," the world No.26 in singles said.

Thompson is preparing to commence his 2025 campaign against former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini at the Brisbane International.