Australia gains a proven doubles option as Max Purcell has been recalled to the Davis Cup squad for the World Group 1 tie against Poland in Brisbane following an 18-month ban for an anti-doping breach.
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The 28-year-old, a winner of the 2022 Wimbledon and 2024 US Open men’s doubles titles, was included by captain Lleyton Hewitt in the group led by Alex de Minaur. James Duckworth, Rinky Hijikata and Adam Walton, who could make his debut, complete the selection for the match at Pat Rafter Arena on 19-20 September.
Purcell, currently ranked world No 803, returned to competition in June after electing a provisional suspension under the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s Tennis Anti-Doping Programme in December 2024. He said an IV infusion of vitamins he received while ill on holiday in Bali exceeded the permitted annual limit of 100ml, though the vitamins were on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s approved list. His original two-year sanction was reduced by 25% because of his cooperation and the substantial assistance he provided to the ITIA.
He has spoken openly about the personal toll of the case, writing that he developed "nervous and anxious tics" and that the episode had "seriously affected" his quality of life. Team-mates and colleagues publicly supported him during the process, arguing the breach was unintentional and that no prohibited substance was found in his body.
Purcell has resumed quietly but effectively, including a singles title at a low-key event in China, and carries a 9-2 record in Davis Cup doubles rubbers. That record makes him a potential asset for Hewitt in a tie where Australia must beat Poland to keep alive hopes of contesting next year’s trophy.
Poland will field Kamil Majchrzak, the world No 73 who beat de Minaur earlier this year in the grass-court final at 's-Hertogenbosch, but their top-ranked player Hubert Hurkacz was not named in the team. Hurkacz’s absence, and Purcell’s availability for doubles, shape the tactical picture as the tie approaches.
