LONDON — Croatian tennis player Lauro Milanovic has been handed an eight-year ban and a hefty fine following an extensive investigation into match-fixing and corruption, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old, who reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 187 in 2021, was found guilty of multiple breaches of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP), including manipulating match outcomes and facilitating betting-related offenses. The ITIA confirmed the sanctions after a 14-month probe into Milanovic’s activities between 2020 and 2023.
The Investigation and Findings
The ITIA’s investigation uncovered evidence that Milanovic had engaged in match-fixing schemes across lower-tier ITF and Challenger tournaments. Key findings included:
- Three instances of deliberately losing sets or matches in exchange for financial gain.
- Sharing insider information with betting syndicates.
- Failing to report corrupt approaches from third parties.
ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse stated, "The evidence against Mr. Milanovic was overwhelming. His actions not only violated the integrity of the sport but also undermined the trust of fans and fellow competitors. This ban sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated."
The Penalties
In addition to the eight-year suspension, Milanovic was fined $250,000, one of the largest penalties ever imposed by the ITIA. The ban, effective immediately, prohibits him from:
- Playing in or attending any sanctioned tennis events.
- Coaching or working in any official capacity within the sport.
- Receiving accreditation for tournaments at any level.
Milanovic’s case marks the latest in a series of high-profile sanctions in tennis. Earlier this year, French player Jules Okala received a five-year ban for similar offenses, while Bulgarian Alexandar Lazov was banned for life in 2022.
Reactions from the Tennis Community
The news has sparked strong reactions across the sport. ATP Player Council member John Isner commented, "This is a sad day for tennis, but it’s also a necessary step to protect the integrity of our game. Players who cheat must face severe consequences, and the ITIA is doing its job by enforcing these rules." Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Andy Murray tweeted, "Match-fixing destroys the credibility of tennis. Well done to the ITIA for taking decisive action."
Milanovic’s Response
Milanovic, who has denied the allegations, released a statement through his lawyer: "I am devastated by this decision and maintain my innocence. The evidence presented against me is circumstantial, and I will appeal this ruling. Tennis is my life, and I would never jeopardize my career or the sport I love." However, the ITIA has confirmed that the appeal window is limited to 30 days, and legal experts suggest overturning the verdict is unlikely.
The Broader Issue of Corruption in Tennis
Match-fixing remains a persistent problem in tennis, particularly in lower-tier tournaments where players earn modest prize money and are more vulnerable to corruption. The ITIA reported a 27% increase in suspicious betting alerts in 2023 compared to the previous year. Key factors contributing to the issue include:
- Lack of financial stability for lower-ranked players.
- Limited oversight at smaller tournaments.
- The global rise of illegal betting markets.
The ITIA has pledged to ramp up its efforts, including increased education programs and collaboration with law enforcement. Moorhouse added, "We are committed to rooting out corruption at all levels of the sport. Players, officials, and fans deserve a fair and honest competition."
Conclusion
Lauro Milanovic’s case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption in tennis. While the eight-year ban and substantial fine underscore the severity of his offenses, the sport’s governing bodies face an uphill task in eradicating match-fixing entirely. As Moorhouse emphasized, "This is not just about punishing individuals—it’s about safeguarding the future of tennis. Every case we investigate and every sanction we impose is a step toward a cleaner, more transparent sport." For now, Milanovic’s career hangs in the balance, and the tennis world watches closely as the fight for integrity continues.