3 Tennis Figures Handed Bans as International Tennis Integrity Agency Cracks Down on Corruption
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has intensified its fight against corruption in tennis, handing out multiple bans to players involved in match-fixing and related offenses. The latest wave of sanctions highlights the governing body’s growing determination to clean up the sport—especially at lower levels where such activities are more common.
Here are three notable cases that underline the seriousness of the crackdown:
Three sanctions have been issued under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program.
Tennis players Mila Masic, from Serbia, and Jana Vanik, from Germany, have been suspended, alongside national-level tennis official Assylbek Kassym, from Kazakhstan.https://t.co/gQAOI2gUqv pic.twitter.com/WMzY6D7Sj2
— International Tennis Integrity Agency (@itia_tennis) March 31, 2026
1. Mila Masic — Multi-Year Ban for Match-Fixing
Serbian player Mila Masic received one of the most significant recent punishments after admitting to fixing multiple matches.
Ban: 4 years and 10 months
Fine: $20,000 (partially suspended)
Violations: Fixing four matches, accepting illegal payments, failing to report corruption
Masic’s suspension runs until October 2030, effectively sidelining her prime playing years. Authorities confirmed she not only manipulated match outcomes but also participated in broader corrupt activities linked to betting networks.
2. Leonardo Aboian — Nearly 7-Year Ban
Argentine player Leonardo Aboian was handed a lengthy suspension after admitting to a wide range of offenses under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program.
Ban: 6 years and 9 months
Violations: Fixing at least eight matches, facilitating betting, accepting money to underperform
Aboian, once ranked inside the top 250, confessed to 30 breaches of anti-corruption rules. His suspension runs until 2032, marking one of the more severe punishments in recent years.
3. Alana Tuayeva — Ban and Fine for Match Manipulation
Russian player Alana Tuayeva also faced strict punishment after admitting to fixing her own matches.
Ban: 3 years and 9 months
Fine: $30,000 (partially suspended)
Violations: Fixing matches at ITF level competitions
Tuayeva’s case shows how corruption is not limited to high-profile tournaments but often occurs in lower-tier events, where financial pressures on players are greater.
A Growing Problem in Tennis
These bans are part of a broader global effort to tackle corruption in tennis. Investigations have revealed organized match-fixing networks targeting vulnerable players, often offering relatively small payments to influence results.
Lower-ranked players, who earn significantly less than top stars, are particularly at risk. This has made ITF-level tournaments a focal point for integrity enforcement.
ITIA Sends Strong Warning
The ITIA’s recent actions send a clear message: corruption will not be tolerated at any level of the sport. Sanctions now include:
Long-term bans
Heavy fines
Lifetime exclusions in extreme cases
The agency continues to work with law enforcement and betting regulators worldwide to detect suspicious activity and prosecute offenders.
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The Bigger Picture
While these bans may not involve household names like Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz, they highlight a critical issue beneath the surface of professional tennis.
The sport’s integrity depends not just on its biggest stars, but on ensuring fairness across all levels. With increased monitoring and stricter penalties, the ITIA is making it clear that the era of unchecked corruption in tennis is coming to an end.
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