Tennis News: Match-Fixing Scandal Rocks the Sport Once Again as Spanish Player Slapped With Huge Ban

In the competitive world of sports, integrity can go for a toss if the intent is not right. Over the years, we have seen many cases of doping violations and match-fixing that have tried to mar the image of the sporting world. However, the incidents have resulted in tightened reigns and stricter laws and punishments. One such case recently erupted in the tennis world, involving Spanish player Aaron Cortes.

The 29-year-old Spaniard, who is ranked just inside the top 1000 of the ATP rankings, was found guilty of match-fixing. Subsequently, he was handed a 15-year ban and a fine of $75,000, of which $56,250 is suspended. Along with match-fixing charges, Cortes also admitted to 35 breaches of the tennis anti-corruption program between 2016 and 2018.

According to the International Tennis Integrity Agency, some of those breaches were, “contriving the outcome of events, accepting money to contrive the outcome of events, failure to report corrupt approaches, wagering on tennis, and providing money to tournament officials in exchange for a wild card.”

As a result, Cortes faces a 15-year ban, potentially ending his career as a player. Additionally, he cannot coach and attend official tennis events during this period.

Meanwhile, this is not the first incident of match-fixing in the recent past. The sport has been affected by multiple cases of different magnitudes in 2024. However, a major case was brought to light in recent months.

Tennis jolted by match-fixing cases in 2024

Apart from Cortes, a French tennis player also faced severe consequences for being involved in match-fixing. Earlier this year, a controversy gripped the tennis world when it came to light that Maxence Broville was suspended for 7 years from the sport for match-fixing. Unlike Cortes, Broville didn’t support the authorities in carrying out his trial smoothly and was also fined $5000 along with the suspension.

Who Is Max Wenders? Meet Sofia Kenin’s Ex-Boyfriend Who Was Suspended for 12
Years Due to Match Fixing

The Frenchman was an ATP pro, who achieved a career-high ranking of 708 on the ATP rankings chart. However, with that punishment, Broville wouldn’t be able to participate in, act as a coach, or even attend any tennis event authorized or sanctioned by ITIA members.

It is high time the budding players learn from such cases and refrain from being involved in illegal activities. On the other hand, the authorities have to do more to maintain sanctity in the sport and a fair playing field for all. Because if there’s one thing sports personalities and fans alike can agree on, it’s the sanctity of the sports not being ruined by cheating.