Tennis is one of the most popular sports for betting. Fans love it because matches happen year-round, and there are always games to wager on. From Grand Slams to smaller tournaments, betting on tennis grew fast… but with growth came trouble.
As more money flowed into tennis betting, dishonest players and criminals saw an opportunity. They realized that fixing matches (especially in lower-level tournaments) could make them rich. And for a while, they got away with it. Using your 22Bet login, you’ll always have the safest and most regulated options to choose from when engaging in your favorite hobby!
How Match-Fixing Works
Match-fixing happens when players, coaches, or officials secretly agree to influence the outcome of a game, and in tennis, common schemes include:
- Tanking: A player intentionally loses a set or match.
- Spot-fixing: Someone manipulates small parts of the match, like double-faulting at key moments.
- Bribery: Gambling syndicates pay people to throw matches.
Most fixes happen in lower-tier tournaments. Why? Because top players earn millions and have little reason to risk their careers, but lesser-known ones, struggling to make ends meet, can be tempted.
The Scandals That Shook Tennis
Several high-profile scandals nearly destroyed trust in tennis betting.
The 2016 BuzzFeed and BBC Investigation
A viral report revealed widespread match-fixing in tennis, as over 16 participants ranked in the top 50 were suspected of trickery, yet they kept playing, and the investigation found that the authorities had ignored warnings for years.
Fans were furious. If even professionals couldn’t be trusted, how could anyone bet fairly?
The Daniel Köllerer Ban
Austrian athlete Daniel Köllerer was the first pro to receive a lifetime ban in 2011, having been convicted of attempting to fix matches. His case demonstrated that corruption was at its highest levels.
The 2018 Australian Open Controversy
A first-round match raised suspicions when unusual wagering patterns appeared. Millions were put down on underdog Oliver Anderson to lose, and he did, in straight sets. Investigations later confirmed foul play.
These scandals made audiences question every match. Was the underdog really that bad, or was the round rigged?
How Tennis Fought Back
The sport’s reputation was at stake, and if nothing changed, fans and bettors would walk away. So tennis took action.
1. The Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU)
The TIU was established in 2008 to examine corruption within the sector, and its budget and authority have increased. Today, it tracks the trends, trains users, and prohibits cheating.
2. Stricter Punishments
Match-fixers are now permanently banned and face massive fines. In 2021, Bulgarian pro Alexandar Lazov was suspended for 10 years. The message is straightforward: cheat, and you will have no career.
3. Better Monitoring
Bookmakers currently partner with regulatory agencies to monitor anomalous behaviors, so when an excessive amount of money is put against a favorite at once, alarms sound.
Can It Be Trusted Again?
Match-fixing hurt the industry badly… but the sport is fighting back.
Today, most fixes happen in obscure tournaments, and Grand Slams and top-tier events are cleaner than ever. People can feel safer, but they should still be cautious.
Tips for Safe Play
- Stick to major tournaments – Less chance of corruption.
- Watch for strange odds – If an underdog’s odds shift suddenly, be wary.
Follow trusted sources – News sites and betting analysts often expose shady matches.