Argentine Tennis Player Hernán Casanova Banned for Betting & Failing to Report Corruption Attempt

Buenos Aires, Argentina – February 14, 2026 – Argentine tennis player Hernán Casanova has been suspended for two months by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after admitting to violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). The 32-year-old, who has primarily competed on the ITF and Challenger circuits, confessed to betting on tennis matches and failing to report an attempted instance of corruption.

The ITIA confirmed the sanction on Friday, February 13, 2026, detailing that the breaches occurred between 2023 and 2025. Crucially, the ITIA stated that Casanova’s actions did not impact the outcomes of any matches, preserving the integrity of the competitive results. The focus of the sanction centers on a failure to adhere to reporting protocols, a mandatory requirement for all professional tennis players.

Casanova admitted to placing bets on tennis events during the specified period. More significantly, he failed to report an attempt to corruptly influence him, a direct breach of the TACP. The TACP mandates that players report any such approaches to the ITIA, regardless of whether they succumb to the attempted influence. This requirement is designed to safeguard the sport against manipulation and maintain public trust.

While the ITIA investigation determined that the betting activity and the unreported approach did not affect match results, the agency emphasized the importance of upholding the reporting standards outlined in the TACP. The failure to report, even in the absence of direct impact on a match, undermines the integrity of the system and creates opportunities for potential future misconduct.

The two-month suspension effectively sidelines Casanova from all sanctioned tennis events for the duration. He is currently ranked 397th in the world, with a career-high ranking of 221st. The suspension will impact his ability to compete for ranking points and prize money, potentially hindering his progress on the tour.

This case arrives amidst a broader crackdown on integrity violations within professional tennis. Recent reports indicate that the ITIA has been actively investigating match-fixing and betting-related offenses, resulting in sanctions for multiple players. Just this week, six players received suspensions ranging from two to fifteen years for breaches related to match-fixing activity that occurred in 2017 and 2018. These sanctions are linked to a criminal case in Belgium involving a match-fixing syndicate, with the syndicate’s leader receiving a five-year custodial sentence.

The ITIA’s work with Belgian authorities highlights the increasing collaboration between sports governing bodies and law enforcement agencies in combating corruption. The agency’s proactive approach, coupled with the significant penalties imposed on offenders, signals a commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport.

Among the recent sanctions, French players Jerome Inzerillo, David Guez and Romain Bauvy received suspensions of five years and seven months, five years, and five years respectively. These cases, like Casanova’s, underscore the importance of adhering to the TACP’s regulations regarding betting and reporting suspicious activity.

The Casanova case, while distinct from the match-fixing allegations leveled against the six other players, reinforces the ITIA’s message that any breach of the TACP, regardless of its perceived severity, will be met with appropriate sanctions. The agency’s focus extends beyond direct manipulation of match outcomes to encompass all actions that could compromise the integrity of the sport.

The incident also raises questions about the prevalence of betting-related temptations among professional tennis players. While betting on sports is legal in many jurisdictions, the TACP explicitly prohibits players from betting on tennis matches, recognizing the potential for conflicts of interest and the risk of influencing outcomes. The requirement to report approaches from potential corruptors is intended to provide players with a safe and confidential avenue for disclosing suspicious activity.

Casanova’s suspension serves as a cautionary tale for other players, emphasizing the importance of understanding and complying with the TACP’s regulations. The ITIA’s ongoing investigations and the increasing severity of sanctions demonstrate that the agency is taking a firm stance against corruption and is committed to safeguarding the future of professional tennis.

The Argentine player’s next steps remain unclear. Upon completion of his two-month suspension, Casanova will be eligible to return to competition, but he will likely face scrutiny from both fans and fellow players. His ability to regain his previous ranking and rebuild his reputation will depend on his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity.