A former tennis player who reached 39th in the world is suspended for four years for doping.

Spain – Former Australian tennis player Marinko Matosevic, who reached the 39th position in the world ranking in 2013, has been sanctioned with four years of suspension for multiple violations of anti-doping rules, as confirmed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

The sanction comes after it was verified that Matosevic committed up to five violations between 2018 and 2020, including the use of blood doping, the possession and use of prohibited substances such as clenbuterol, as well as collaboration and advice to other players to evade anti-doping controls.

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The independent tribunal in charge of the case determined that the former player not only engaged in illegal practices during his time as a professional, but also actively participated in facilitating these behaviors within the circuit. As a result, Matosevic will not be able to compete, train, or participate in any official tennis-related activities until March 15, 2030. In addition, his results and prize money earned in tournaments played in 2018 have been annulled.

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The former tennis player, retired since 2018 and later a coach, admitted to some of the facts, although he questioned the investigation process. However, the court rejected his claims and supported the ITIA’s actions, underlining the seriousness of the events and their impact on the integrity of the sport.