Max Purcell, the grand slam doubles champion, has made his return to the Australian tennis scene after serving an 18-month ban for an anti-doping violation. Selected by Lleyton Hewitt for the Davis Cup team to face Poland, Purcell's comeback is seen as a significant boost for the squad.

The 28-year-old Purcell, who had faced widespread sympathy from the tennis community regarding his ban, is set to play in his first Davis Cup rubber in two years during the tie at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena on September 19-20. Australia needs a victory against Poland to maintain hopes of competing for next year's trophy.

Hewitt's team includes:

• Alex de Minaur
• James Duckworth
• Rinky Hijikata
• Adam Walton (a potential debutant)

Purcell, currently ranked world No 803, is a two-time grand slam champion, having won the 2022 Wimbledon and 2024 US Open in men’s doubles. His return follows a challenging period; he was handed a suspension after inadvertently receiving an IV infusion of vitamins exceeding the allowed limit while ill in Bali. Despite the vitamins being on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s approved list, Purcell's sentence was reduced by 25% due to his cooperation with the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

Purcell openly shared the emotional toll the incident took on him, describing the anxiety and physical effects it had on his life. Support from fellow players like John Millman and Jordan Thompson highlighted the unintentional nature of his breach.

Having already achieved a singles victory in a minor tournament in China since his return, Purcell brings a commendable 9-2 record in Davis Cup doubles rubbers, positioning him as a crucial asset for Australia in this pivotal tie. Meanwhile, Poland will be led by Kamil Majchrzak, ranked No 73, while the absence of their top player, Hubert Hurkacz, could ease Australia's challenge.