Australian tennis star Bernard Tomic recently faced an extensive investigation for allegations of match-fixing. The search stemmed from suspicious betting patterns observed during two of his matches. These matches included his 6-1, 6-4 loss to Roman Safiullin in the qualifiers of the 2022 Australian Open qualifiers and a 6-0 6-1 loss to Frenchman Quentin Halys in Turkey in late 2021. Australian media reported that tens of thousands of dollars were bet against Tomic in these matches, raising serious integrity concerns.

Authorities found these patterns troubling, leading to the formation of the Strike Force Whyman by the NSW Police in 2022. The multi-agency task force, which included Tennis Australia, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), and other law enforcement agencies, investigated the allegations. claims The Age.

As part of the inquiry, Tomic’s phone was seized, and he was questioned. One source briefed on the interview said Tomic appeared “cocky and confident” during his interview. Despite these efforts, investigators found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. Two sources said the independent agency’s investigation had moved the case to a “dormant” phase with no further action.

During the Australian Open qualifier, the Aussie made headlines for an unusual exchange with the chair umpire. Mid-match, he claimed to struggle on court because of COVID-19, “In the next two days, I will test positive. I’m telling you. I’ll buy you dinner if I don’t test positive in three days, otherwise you buy me dinner.” As he said, Tomic tested positive for COVID-19 shortly after the match.

The 32-year-old continues to compete professionally, recently attempting to qualify for the 2025 Australian Open. His return to Melbourne marked his first appearance at the event since the 2022 controversy. However, he lost to Jozef Kovalik.

Well, the controversies regarding the fixing are not new in the world of tennis.

Just like Bernard Tomic, there are other tennis players who’re sanctioned for match-fixing

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has taken decisive action against three professional tennis players found guilty of match-fixing. Timur Khabibulin, Sanjar Fayziev, and Igor Smilansky have been sanctioned under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). The sanctions include bans from tennis and hefty fines, with charges involving match-fixing activities spanning multiple years.

Kazakhstan’s Timur Khabibulin, once ranked 154th in ATP doubles, received the harshest penalty. He has been banned for life and fined $60,000 after being found guilty of 21 match-fixing offenses between 2014 and 2019. This lifetime ban permanently prohibits him from participating in, coaching at, or even attending any tennis events sanctioned by the ATP, ITF, WTA, or Grand Slam tournaments.

Uzbekistan’s Sanjar Fayziev, who also reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of 154, has been banned for three years and six months, with six months of the suspension deferred. Fayziev, found guilty of five charges related to two matches in 2018, has been fined $15,000. His ban will end on 24 July 2026, provided he fulfills the payment requirements.

Israel’s Igor Smilansky, who peaked at an ATP singles ranking of 451, faces a two-year suspension and a $4,000 fine, with $1,000 of the fine suspended. Smilansky’s charges relate to a single match-fixing incident in 2018. His suspension is set to conclude on 24 July 2025, subject to compliance with his financial penalties.

The ITIA confirmed that the sanctions are effective from 25 July 2023, the date of the players’ provisional suspensions. During their bans, Fayziev and Smilansky cannot participate in, coach at, or attend any ITIA-authorized events. Khabibulin’s lifetime ban ensures he is permanently excluded from any professional tennis activity.

The ITIA, an independent body dedicated to preserving the integrity of tennis, emphasized its commitment to ensuring the sport remains free of corruption.