ITIA reports decrease in unusual betting reports

The ITIA received 23 match alerts (indicators that inappropriate conduct may have occurred) between January – March 2021, compared to 38 from the same period last year.

Four of these reports came from ATP World Tour 250 events, played by the highest-level players on the tour, while the remaining events were from Challenger and Futures events.

10 alerts came from the ITF M15 Mens – World Tennis Tour, as well as two apiece from ITF M15 Women’s tour and the ATP Challenger 50.

The ATP Challenger 80 had five alerts.

The ITIA’s report stated: “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, confidential investigation.”

The agency has handed out several sanctions for match fixing in 2021.

Russia’s Sofia Dmitrieva and Alija Merdeeva received lifetime bans, while Venezuela’s Roberto Maytín and Slovakia’s Barbora Palcatova also received hefty penalties.