Former number one tennis player tests positive for doping, receives severe penalty

The penalty was issued after this once-famous player used banned substances and taught colleagues how to circumvent regulations.

Former Australian tennis number one – Marinko Matosevic has been the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) banned from all tennis-related activities for four years after being found guilty of violating doping rules. The decision followed a lengthy investigation, concluding one of the most controversial cases in recent times.

Matosevic, aged 40, played professionally from 2003 and made a significant career breakthrough in 2012 when ATP honored him as the "Most Improved Player of the Year." During this period, he rose to world number 39 and became Australia's top male tennis player. After retiring in 2018 to pursue coaching, doping scandals involving this former player gradually came to light.

According to the findings, Matosevic violated five anti-doping rules between 2018 and 2020. The behaviors included doping use, assisting another player in similar conduct, and advising on ways to avoid detection in tests.

Although he consistently denied the allegations throughout the investigation, Matosevic unexpectedly admitted to one doping-related act on social media just before the hearing.

The former player born in 1985 was formally charged in May 2025, while the investigation began in 2024. On March 16, 2026, the independent panel upheld most charges, rejecting only one related to possession and use of clenbuterol before 2020.

Besides the competition ban lasting until March 15, 2030, Matosevic was stripped of all results and prize money from two 2018 tournaments, including the ATP Challenger Morelos and Indian Wells Masters. Additionally, he is barred from participating in any capacity at events organized by ATP, ITF, WTA, or Grand Slams like the Wimbledon Championships.

Notably, weeks before the verdict was announced, the 40-year-old former athlete publicly criticized ITIA, calling its handling process "corrupt and unjust." However, these accusations were dismissed.