The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced a series of heavy sanctions, removing six players and a coach from the courts.
The entity took the measures after confirming serious violations of tennis’ anti-corruption rules.
The package of infractions analyzed by the entity includes match manipulation, irregular betting and even attempts to buy places in official tournaments.
Which athletes were punished for breaking tennis’ anti-corruption rules
The most severe punishment fell on Jasel Beltre, from the Dominican Republic. The 24-year-old athlete will be away from the sport for two decades and will pay a fine of US$55,000.
He was convicted of setting up the score in nine of his own games and trying to lure opponents.
Other Dominicans were also sanctioned: Jossting Cruz was suspended for two years; Ángel Maleno Rosario received three years for selling the result of a doubles duel; and his brother, Jesus Maleno Rosario, got three months for covering up the scheme.
The agency’s siege also closed on chinese Lu Pengyu.
The athlete received six years on the hook and a US$25,000 fine for rigging three matches and, to worsen his situation, deliberately destroying evidence to hinder the official investigation.
Illegal bets, resources and tournament bans
Not all cases required long hearings for an outcome.
Slovakian Igor Zelenay, former player and current coach, accepted a nine-month suspension after trying to buy an invitation (wildcard) for a player he coached.
Irishman Dorian Kos admitted that he had placed bets on games on the circuit and was punished for two months, even though he proved that he did not influence the scores on which he had placed money.
Croatian Lauro Milanovic, in turn, achieved a partial victory in the courts.
After appealing the decision, he had his suspension reduced from eight to six years and was freed from the US$10,000 fine.
All professionals listed by the entity are strictly prohibited from competing, training or even watching from the stands at any event approved by the ATP, WTA, ITF, Grand Slams and national associations.
The sentences end on different dates, ranging from mid-2026 to May 2045, depending on the severity of each individual’s criminal acts.
