ITIA Quarterly Update - Q3 2024

An introduction from Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA

Q3 of 2024 understandably brought much interest and commentary on tennis’ anti-doping processes, following the publication of an independent tribunal’s decision of No Fault or Negligence in the case of Jannik Sinner.

The case management process for anti-doping cases is complex, and we appreciate that it can be confusing to understand the differences in outcome, or perceived inconsistencies in the process.

To be absolutely clear, the process is defined by the World Anti-Doping Code, set out by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme. The way we manage cases does not change, irrespective of the profile of the player involved. The way a case unfolds is determined by its unique circumstances, facts and science.

In the case of Sinner, we understand that the appeal’s focus is on the independent tribunal’s interpretation and application of the rules when determining what, if any, level of fault is applicable to the player, rather than the ITIA’s investigation into the facts and science.

That said, we acknowledge that it is our responsibility to work with members of the tennis family to ensure that there is trust in the process, and we invite conversations with players, their representatives, and the media on this.

In August, we launched our new strategy, which outlines five key priorities to ensure that we effectively deliver anti-doping and anti-corruption programmes on behalf of our members. These are: Education, Support and Engagement, Risk and Evolving Landscape, Process, and Case Management. You can read the strategy in full by clicking here.

Underpinning all of these priorities are our goals, which include ensuring that all within the sport understand and support the programmes and the importance of a clean sport.   

Our education and prevention work continues throughout the tennis calendar, with ITIA engagement taking place at all levels of the professional game, as well as at the junior level.

One such event, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Junior Tennis Finals, took place in Prostějov, Czechia. The event, which has been held in Prostějov for 25 years, is seen as one of the premier events on the junior calendar, with former participants including the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff, among many others.
 
The ITIA has a productive relationship with the ITF juniors’ team, ensuring that integrity and anti-doping themes are included in the players’ curriculum of education from the under-14 age group.

The video below details more on the work delivered by the ITF and ITIA in partnership, focused on helping players to make good decisions as they prepare for a potential career on the professional tour.

The ITIA offers hundreds of education sessions to players, officials, coaches and support personnel over the course of the tennis season. In 2023, we delivered sessions to 3,256 individuals. More data can be found in our most recent Annual Review.

Sanctions and provisional suspensions

Players and officials – TADP sanctions

Jannik Sinner – No Fault or Negligence*

Stefano Battaglino’s appeal against a four-year TADP sanction was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

*Appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Players and officials – TACP sanctions

Melina Ferrero – three years

Sofia Luini – seven years

Iván Endara – five years

Mauricio Reséndiz Domínguez – five years

Raúl Isaías Rosas-Zarur – five years

Aitor Aramburu Contreras – one year and 10 months

Christopher Díaz Figueroa’s appeal against a lifetime ban was partially upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Díaz Figueroa’s suspension was reduced to six years.

Sanjar Fayziev’s appeal against a three-and-a-half-year TACP sanction was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Provisional Suspensions

Quentin Folliot (TACP)

Daniil Savelev (TADP)

Nicolas Zanellato (TADP)

Match alerts

In the third quarter of 2024, the ITIA received a total of 28 match alerts through its confidential Memoranda of Understanding with the regulated betting industry.

*An alert was received for an early-round doubles match at Wimbledon which was fully investigated, and no evidence was found of wrongdoing. No further information will be made public about this alert. 

A note about match alerts:

Every alert reported to the ITIA is recorded, assessed and followed up as an indicator that something inappropriate may have happened. It is important to note that an alert on its own is not evidence of match fixing.

Unusual betting patterns can occur for many reasons other than match fixing – for example incorrect odds-setting; well-informed betting; player fitness, fatigue or form; playing conditions and personal circumstances.

The number and distribution of alerts are reported quarterly. Care should be taken in drawing any conclusions about prevailing corruption across the tennis ‘pyramid’ as there are many more matches at the bottom than at the top. More complete analysis will be published in our annual report.

Where analysis of a match alert does suggest corrupt activity, the ITIA conducts a full, confidential investigation.

In addition, the ITIA considers intelligence from various sources, and encourages anyone with any concerns to contact the ITIA.

Tennis Anti-Doping Programme testing

These figures outline the number of samples taken from players, not the number of tests (multiple samples e.g., urine and blood, can be taken from players when they are tested). All tests undertaken this quarter were with no notice.

The ITIA is responsible for the TADP across all members' tennis events. Tests in Q3 of 2024 took place at events ranging from ITF $15K level to Grand Slams at Wimbledon and US Open, with in and/or out-of-competition testing undertaken in 51 different countries.

ABP = Athlete Biological Passport
DBS = Dry Blood Spot