Bernand Tomic: From glory to suspect for match fixing
A multi-agency force, probed Bernard Tomic for alleged match-fixing involving suspicious bets placed in 2021 and 2022.
In 2016, the International Tennis Federation acknowledged the need to increase revenue streams in the game. To resolve the issue, they made the decision to allow gambling on lower-level leagues and non-televised games. Unfortunately, the betting syndicates and other agents of malicious intent, saw the opportunity to manipulate the games’ outcomes and gain illegal profit. As hearts can be weak or there are needs to be met, it was inevitable that there would be an outbreak of illicit behavior. Hence, the Independent Review of Integrity, has made an appeal to reverse ITF’s decision including any and all sponsorships from top Asian and European bookmakers. The latest incident about Bernard Tomic’s match-fixing scandal just underlines the issue.
From 17 to rock bottom
Bernard Tomic is a 32-year-old Australian professional tennis player. He became the center of attention at just 16 when he managed to claim the title of the youngest player to win a main draw match at the Australian Open. Throughout his career he can count 4 titles, 186 wins vs 182 losses and total prize money amounting to $6,398,905. However, since 2023, it seems to be going downhill. From #17 in the ATP rankings, he dropped all the way to 825. He did manage to pull back to 214 but it does seem that the best days of his tennis are long in the past.
He has always been known for controversial behavior, fighting with the officials, a number of legal entanglements and accusations of tanking (taking advantage of rules that benefit losing teams). It now seems that this part of his character has led to suspicions and investigations of match fixing.
The allegations
Wagers from three bettors from New South Wales are the reason for launching a multi-agency police investigation. In two matches involving Tomic, they placed bets with potential winnings between $10,000 and $180,000. The first one was in 2021 against Quentin Halys and the second one in 2022 against Roman Safiullin. Against all odds, he got thrashed by 6-0, 6-1 and 6-4, 6-1 respectively. Furthermore, there are suspicions that up to four different bookmakers were used.
It should be pointed out that the case is ongoing and up to now there have been no incriminating evidence that implicate Bernand Tomic as the culprit of wrong doing. However, the investigation alone is enough to ruin his reputation and fuel his aggressive behavior.
It doesn't matter if it's the truth or unfounded
Typically, since no official charges have been pressed and according to the “presumption of innnocence” principle, Bernard Tomic is not guilty. However, people tend to adhere to another principle: “where there’s smoke, there’s fire”. The case is another indication that the fight against corruption is in full bloom. Nothing will be left unresolved and nothing will be swept under the rag. Those who choose to open for an account via broker can always be certain that if an allegation is incorrect, there will be no fallout. But, if it is, then it will be rooted out and discarded.
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