Buenos Aires, Argentina – – Hernán Casanova, a 32-year-old Argentine tennis player, has been suspended for two months by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for violations of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP). The sanction, effective , will keep Casanova off the court until .
The ITIA confirmed that Casanova admitted to betting on numerous tennis matches between and in which he had no involvement or influence – a direct breach of the TACP. He also acknowledged failing to report a corrupt approach that occurred in , further compounding the disciplinary action.
While the breaches are significant, the ITIA statement clarified that Casanova’s betting activity did not directly impact the outcomes of the matches themselves. Nevertheless, the agency emphasized that strict adherence to the TACP’s integrity standards is non-negotiable for all participants in professional tennis, regardless of their ranking or competitive level.
Casanova, who reached a career-high singles ranking of 221 in , will be prohibited from playing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis event authorized or sanctioned by the ITIA’s member organizations – including the ATP, ITF, WTA, Tennis Australia, Fédération Française de Tennis, Wimbledon, and the USTA – during his period of ineligibility.
In addition to the two-month suspension, Casanova has been fined $2,000, with $1,500 of that fine suspended, contingent upon him avoiding further violations. This means the full fine will only be levied if Casanova is found to have breached the TACP again in the future.
The ITIA, established as an independent body by the major tennis governing bodies, is tasked with promoting, encouraging, enhancing, and safeguarding the integrity of professional tennis events. The agency’s increased scrutiny of betting patterns, particularly at lower-tier tournaments, has led to a rise in the number of TACP breaches being uncovered in recent months.
Casanova’s case highlights the growing emphasis on maintaining the integrity of the sport in the face of increasing opportunities for corruption through online betting. The TACP exists to protect the fairness of competition and ensure that tennis remains a credible and trustworthy sport for players and fans alike.
The Argentine player’s career has primarily been focused on the ITF and Challenger circuits. The suspension represents a significant setback for Casanova, currently ranked 397th in the world, and will interrupt his efforts to climb the professional rankings.
The ITIA’s decision underscores its commitment to enforcing the TACP’s regulations and sending a clear message that any form of betting-related misconduct, or failure to report potential corruption, will not be tolerated. The agency continues to investigate potential breaches and work with stakeholders to protect the integrity of professional tennis.
