In a recent turn of events, the Australian tennis player Bernard Tomic has been cleared of any match-fixing allegations after a thorough investigation by police. The inquiry, which began in early 2022, focused on suspicious betting patterns during two of Tomic’s matches, leading to heightened scrutiny over his recent play. This news marks a significant moment in Tomic’s career as he navigates his way back into professional tennis amidst this controversy.
Detectives Launched a Multi-Agency Investigation
The investigation, aptly named Strike Force Whyman, involved several agencies, including both New South Wales and Victorian police. They were assisted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. It all started when unusual betting activity was detected on two of Tomic’s matches. One of these matches was a qualifying contest against Roman Safiullin during the 2022 Australian Open, where Tomic claimed he was suffering from illness.
Suspicious Betting Patterns Raise Eyebrows
In total, the investigation centered around two specific matches involving Bernard Tomic. The first one was his match against Roman Safiullin, where he lost his chance to advance in the Australian Open. Tomic later stated he tested positive for COVID-19 after the match, which raised some questions about his performance. The second match scrutinized was against Quentin Halys in Turkey during 2021. In both cases, Tomic was seen as the underdog—meaning he was not expected to win, leading to higher stakes for bettors.
Winnings and Suspicious Bets
- The betting amounts involved ranged from $10,000 to $180,000.
- At least three individuals from New South Wales were found to have placed suspicious bets on Tomic’s matches.
- Several betting agencies like Ladbrokes and PointsBet noticed these unusual patterns, prompting further investigation.
No Criminal Charges Filed
Despite the extensive resources allocated to the investigation, including intercepts and the seizure of Tomic’s phone by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), the inquiry concluded without enough evidence for any criminal charges. In fact, the ITIA stated that its investigation has been placed in a dormant state due to insufficient findings. While Tomic faced intense media scrutiny, he has now been marked clear of any wrongdoing, allowing him to continue his professional career.
The Role of Tennis Australia
Tennis Australia played a significant role throughout this entire process, cooperating fully with police and the ITIA to ensure the integrity of the sport remained intact. Tomic himself continued to participate in tennis competitions, recently failing to qualify for the 2025 Australian Open, which has added more pressure on his future in the sport.
The Impact on Tomic’s Career
Bernard Tomic’s journey in professional tennis has seen its share of ups and downs. Once a rising star, he has faced various challenges, both on and off the court. Now, with this investigation behind him, Tomic remains focused on his game and hopes to regain his former standing within the tennis community. As he looks ahead, fans are left wondering if he can make a significant comeback in the years to come.