The International Tennis Integrity Agency works closely with the regulated betting industry, both directly with individual companies and with data companies, regulators and industry bodies such as the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA). When the betting industry sees unusual or suspicious patterns in a tennis match, they report it. These are called ‘Match Alerts’.
These patterns could be large amounts of money being placed on outsiders, unusual bets placed from new accounts or patterns of similar bets that flag their integrity systems.
Any match alert is 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.
Where analysis of a match alert does suggest corrupt activity, the ITIA conducts a full and confidential investigation. This can be a lengthy process and could include interviews with players concerned and other intelligence or evidence gathered. As and when we have the evidence required, then charges and sanctions may follow. In the meantime, we do not comment on details of any investigation or individual allegations.
Whether an alert comes from a lower-level tournament or – as in this case – a Grand Slam, the ITIA takes all alerts seriously. We report on all the alerts received on a quarterly and annual basis. We welcome these alerts and will continue to work with the betting industry to ensure the sport that all fans are watching is tennis you can trust.
Click here for more information on the ITIA’s investigation process
Click here for more information on the IBIA and its reporting process
The ITIA has received a further 46 match alerts so far this year and has issued sanctions to 11 players in 2021.
Published 14 July 2021 16:30
