Thompson on the suspension of Purcell, his doubles partner: "It's a joke".
Jordan Thompson, ranked 26th in the world in singles, became a doubles specialist in 2024 when he teamed up with compatriot Max Purcell.
The two men won the US Open together and reached the Wimbledon final. But, following Purcell's suspension by the Tennis Integrity Agency, they will not be able to attempt to win the Australian Open, where they were supposed to be seeded No. 3.
Thompson, present at a press conference prior to the Brisbane tournament, gave a trenchant opinion of the situation: "After winning the US Open, we said to ourselves: 'Let's go and get our Grand Slam at home'. It's not going to happen.
He took too much of an IV bag in Bali, I think. He wasn't feeling well. He went to hospital.
I don't have the right words. You've got to be kidding me.
I mean, guys test positive to enhance their performance and he consumed too much from an IV bag and he's suspended.
Make of that what you will.
I don't know what's going to happen to him. But yes, I've got my own ideas on the subject.
I was upset for him, but I imagine the anti-doping authorities have other ideas in mind."
