LONDON: British number one Andy Murray has fuelled suspicions that match-fixing in tennis is rife by claiming most players are aware it goes on.
“It is pretty disappointing for all the players, but everyone knows that it goes on,” Murray told BBC Radio yesterday, while admitting that it was virtually impossible for tennis authorities to police players who deliberately lose certain games to ensure a certain result.
“It's difficult to prove if someone has tanked a match or not tried,” Murray said. “They can try their best until the last couple of games in each set and then make some mistakes, hit a couple of double faults and that is it.”
Top stars like Murray scarcely need the money reportedly on offer from crooked betting rings, but the Scot understands why some journeyman players might be tempted.
“There are some guys who have to come to tournaments every single week and out of their first-round-loser's cheque – about 2,500 euros – they have to pay for their air fares.
“A career lasts probably only 10 or 12 years and you have to make all your money while you're still playing. But it's not really acceptable.”
The ATP are currently investigating irregular betting patterns regarding a surprise defeat suffered by top Russian player Nikolay Davydenko in a tournament at Sopot, Poland in August.
The match, which attracted US$7mil in bets, 10 times the usual amount, was won by Argentina's Martin Vassallo Arguello 2-6, 6-3, 2-1 with Davydenko retiring with a foot injury. – AFP
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