Is tennis caught in the net of corruption?
The relationship between betting and the ‘gentlemen’s game’.
On Tuesday, January 26 at 19:30 GMT:
A recent report has alleged match-fixing in the men’s game of tennis, and flags sixteen players, some of whom are currently participating in the Australian Open. The investigation, published by BBC and Buzzfeed, doesn’t name players, but using an algorithm and the analysis of thousands of matches, points out suspicious betting activity. It alleges that a number of players, some of whom are in the top 50, have ties to sport betting companies. The report also accuses the tennis management body of not taking any action. The Association of Tennis Professionals and Tennis Integrity Unit have vehemently denied the accusations of match-fixing, and said there is a zero-tolerance policy for corruption. Some top players have expressed skepticism, but others have called for greater transparency in the game.
While the debate continues, a mixed doubles team is under scrutiny after unusual betting patterns were seen on their match, and a former player has just plead guilty to charges of match-fixing. Does tennis have a problem with corruption? We discuss at 19:30 GMT.
Joining this conversation:
Richard Ings @ringsau
Fmr Executive Vice President, Rules and Competition, Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)
Scott Ferguson @borisranting
Former Head of Education, Betfair
sportismadeforbetting.com
Brad Hutchins @bradhutchins_
Former “Courtsider”
Stefano Berlincioni @Carretero77
Tennis Gambling Expert
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.