ITIA bans Serbian tennis player until 2050 after match-fixing investigation

Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 20:00

Serbian tennis player Stefan Milicevic has been banned for 24 years and fined $70,000 (£52,808) after being found guilty of fixing six matches and attempting to recruit fellow professionals into a corrupt network, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced. The 29-year-old will remain ineligible to play, coach or attend events sanctioned by tennis' governing bodies until October 8, 2050.

The investigation found that Milicevic attempted to fix another six matches between 2022 and 2024. His efforts to recruit other players also resulted in several professionals fixing matches, according to the ITIA, making the case wider than the six matches directly attributed to him.

Milicevic, who reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 1338 in August 2014 as a teenager, did not engage with the ITIA's investigation in 2026. The agency said it made seven separate attempts to obtain a response through multiple channels, but received no cooperation from the Serbian player.

The ITIA issued a Notice of Major Offense on September 24, 2026, after completing its investigation. Milicevic did not respond to the notice, and a deemed sanction under the agency's rules and sanctioning guidelines took effect on October 9. Because he did not contest the charges through a hearing, the case did not proceed before an independent anti-corruption hearing officer.

ITIA details match-fixing offences and 24-year suspension

The ITIA said Milicevic was charged with fixing six matches and attempting to recruit multiple professional players as part of a corrupt network during the same period. Those recruitment efforts allegedly led to other players fixing matches, extending the impact of the offences beyond Milicevic himself.

The agency confirmed that his lack of cooperation did not determine the length of the ban. Instead, the sanction reflected the seriousness of the anti-corruption violations and his attempts to involve other professionals.

“Milicevic was also charged with recruiting or attempting to recruit multiple professional players as part of a corrupt network during the same period, resulting in a number of other players fixing matches,” the ITIA said.

Serbian tennis player Stefan Milićević has been suspended for 24 years for significant breaches of tennis' anti-corruption rules. https://t.co/km8TOOwU76 https://t.co/atmvzTbA80
— International Tennis Integrity Agency (@itia_tennis) October 15, 2026

The 24-year suspension prevents Milicevic from playing in, coaching at or attending any events organised or sanctioned by World Tennis, the ATP, WTA, the Grand Slam tournaments or any national tennis association. His ban is due to expire on October 8, 2050, provided it remains unchanged.

The case was resolved through a deemed sanction rather than a hearing decision. Since Milicevic did not respond to the charges, there is no written ruling from an independent anti-corruption hearing officer setting out findings from a contested hearing.

Doubles partner provisionally suspended as investigation continues

The case also involves Marino Jakic, Milicevic's playing partner at an ITF World Tennis Tour tournament in Osijek, Croatia, in August 2023. Jakic has been provisionally suspended by the ITIA since June 24 while the agency investigates potential breaches of tennis' anti-corruption rules in 2023.

Jakic appealed the provisional suspension in July, but independent anti-corruption hearing officer Amani Khalifa upheld it in August. The decision was based on the view that the suspension was “supported by substantial evidence,” according to the information provided by the ITIA.

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A provisional suspension is not a final finding of wrongdoing. Jakic's case remains under investigation, and the available information does not establish that he has received a final sanction.

Milicevic's ban is among the most significant penalties imposed in a tennis match-fixing case, particularly given the alleged recruitment of other professionals. The case highlights the ITIA's focus not only on players who manipulate matches but also on attempts to draw others into corruption. The separate investigation involving Jakic remains ongoing.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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