Aussie Doubles Player Reveals Identity Following ‘Devastating’ Anti-Doping Violation

Australian tennis player Thomas Fancutt has addressed his followers on Instagram after receiving a provisional suspension for violating anti-doping regulations linked to an intravenous vitamin infusion.

The 30-year-old confirmed the suspension on social media this past Tuesday, making him the second Australian athlete to face a ban in recent months.

Doubles Grand Slam champion Max Purcell was the first, having “unknowingly received an IV infusion” that exceeded the tennis anti-doping guidelines of 100ml.

Currently ranked No. 123 in doubles, Fancutt’s provisional suspension will commence on March 19.

“At the end of the 2024 season, I mistakenly breached an anti-doping rule by receiving a 500ml IV infusion to counter severe fatigue,” he shared on Instagram.

“The infusion contained only Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and magnesium. However, the volume exceeded 100mls, which is prohibited regardless of the contents, and I was completely unaware of this at the time.

“I have always taken pride in being a clean athlete, and this entire situation has been incredibly difficult for me.”

The dangers associated with IV treatments have been highlighted by Sport Integrity Australia, which has cautioned athletes about the practice.

Purcell has stated that the clinic he visited surpassed the legal limits without his knowledge and remains under suspension.

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“I unknowingly received an IV infusion that was above the allowed limit of 100ml,” Purcell wrote on Instagram in December.

“I was confident until last week, when I obtained my medical records from the clinic, that I had adhered to WADA guidelines and methods. However, the records revealed that the IV I had received exceeded the 100ml limit, despite me explicitly stating to the clinic that I was a professional athlete and needed the infusion to be less than 100ml.”

Athletes are permitted to use IV drips, but only if the volume remains below a certain threshold and is administered within a specific timeframe.