Last year, tennis authorities revealed that former Australian player Marinko Matosevic was under investigation by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for using “Prohibited Method,” something which he claimed he was unaware of at that time. Since retiring from competition altogether in February 2018 and having spoken out strongly against their investigation process since November of that year – calling their agency corrupt in recent interviews – his case remains relevant and is back under the public radar once more.
Matosevic addressed his ongoing case against ITIA by issuing a public statement wherein he admitted using illegal methods while also criticizing their investigation process itself:
“It’s with a heavy heart and a clear mind as I write this. I have been under investigation by the ITIA since the Rome Masters 2024. The investigation centers on a Prohibited Method I used in February 2018. I can confirm it’s true.”
Despite this admission, Matosevic challenged the fairness and legitimacy of the ITIA’s approach. He explained that although there is no substantive evidence against him, he chose to admit his actions due to what he described as a corrupt and flawed procedure.
He revealed the circumstances surrounding his violation, recounting a difficult personal time linked to health issues in 2017 that led to a regrettable decision:
“Under desperate circumstances (I had some health issues in 2017), I stupidly and recklessly did a blood transfusion in Morelos, Mexico. I was so disgusted with myself, I retired the following week at the age of 32 and a half. Shortly after, I realized how precious life is and how serious and reckless my decision was. I wasn’t involved in tennis at all for almost 2 years and pro tennis for 3.”
Matosevic expressed a desire to warn younger athletes against compromising their health or futures for short-term gains. At the same time, he launched a sharp criticism against the ITIA’s investigative practices, accusing the agency of intimidation tactics and misuse of power:
“I am writing this letter to let the tennis world know how corrupt and unjust the ITIA process is. They take your phone under threatening circumstances and make legal cases over photos and text message assumptions that are literally over 5 years old. The whole process is corrupt and lacks credibility, as we have seen over the last few years! These are man-made rules that get changed on a whim and to suit questionable objectives; they are not moral or right!”
He dismissed additional accusations against him as unfounded, saying these charges rely heavily on weak interpretations of old text messages and fabricated legal concepts like “intent.”
Having consulted with knowledgeable individuals, Matosevic concluded that major reforms are needed in tennis governance. He urged players to unite and bring about real positive change. Announcing his refusal to attend his upcoming hearing, he stated that he would cease all communication with the ITIA, confident that “the truth will set you free.”
Matosevic last competed professionally in February 2018, ending his career after a loss in Indian Wells Challenger qualifying. During his career, he never won an ATP title but claimed success in lower-tier tournaments with four Challenger titles and five Futures titles. He reached a career-high ranking of world No. 39 in 2013 and briefly held the distinction of being Australia’s highest-ranked player. He also represented his country in Davis Cup competition.
In 2025, other players faced similar doping-related consequences. Former world No. 40 Max Purcell accepted an 18-month suspension, while Tom Fancutt was provisionally suspended, both admitting to using prohibited methods under ITIA regulations. Matosevic’s outspoken stance adds to growing criticism of the ITIA, as several former players in recent years have publicly questioned the agency’s credibility and conduct.
Simona Halep Voices Concerns Over ITIA’s Inconsistent Handling of Doping Cases
Alongside Matosevic, former world No. 1 Simona Halep has also raised doubts about the ITIA’s credibility. Two years ago, she voiced concerns during the doping controversy involving Iga Swiatek.
In 2024, Iga Swiatek, then world No. 2, tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine from an out-of-competition sample, drawing international attention. Halep’s own case dated back earlier, with her return to professional tennis in March 2024 following a provisional suspension starting in October 2022 due to testing positive for roxadustat at the US Open.
Halep criticized the ITIA’s inconsistent application of rules, questioning why similar doping cases occurring around the same time received vastly different outcomes:
“I have always believed in good, I have believed in the fairness of this sport, I have believed in kindness,” she wrote. “The injustice that was done to me was painful, is painful and maybe will always be painful.”
She challenged the agency’s decision-making, questioning why identical cases had such differing approaches – specifically hers – as well as why there were significant variations in treatment and judgment between cases that are nearly identical in terms of approach.
As Matosevic raises related criticism, tennis enthusiasts wait in eager anticipation for ITIA’s response over the course of coming days.