Former top 40 player's scandalous statement against the ITIA: "Tennis systems are corrupt and must be dismantled"

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More than one may not remember who Marinko Matosevic was, perhaps that is why the Australian has decided to make a grand reappearance: confessing his past wrongdoings and taking aim at the ITIA and tennis organizations.

At 40 years old, Marinko Matosevic still has a fighting spirit. Not on the court, where he retired in 2018, but in the public eye. The former world No. 39 surprised with a statement published on The First Serve where he reveals a plot that was unknown to us. Firstly, he confesses to the wrongdoings during his playing days, which led to the circuit punishing him. Secondly, as a result of that sanction, Marinko unabashedly attacks the ITIA system and its procedures in such cases. A transparent discourse with wild assertions. Our protagonist has not held back, so let's read the full message.

Statement from Marinko Matosevic criticizing the ITIA

"I write this text with a heavy heart and a clear mind. I have been under investigation by the ITIA since the Rome Masters in 2024, an investigation focused on a banned method I used in February 2018. Although the ITIA has no real evidence of my misconduct, I have chosen to admit that I did it due to the corrupt process and the ridiculous nature of other charges.

Desperate circumstances due to health issues in 2017 led me to undergo a blood transfusion in Mexico in a stupid and reckless manner. I was so disgusted with myself that I retired the following week, at 32 years old. Shortly after, I realized how precious life was and how grave and irresponsible my decision had been. I was not involved in tennis for nearly three years.

I write this confession letter, firstly, to warn other athletes not to do anything that could harm their health and jeopardize their lives, because after our sporting careers, we still have a long life ahead of us. Secondly, I write this so that the tennis world knows how corrupt and unfair the ITIA processes are.

They take your phone in threatening circumstances and build legal cases around photos and messages that are literally over five years old. The entire process is corrupt and lacks credibility, it's rules made by man that can suddenly change for questionable objectives. They are neither moral nor right. The remaining charges against me are for being an 'accomplice', which is utter nonsense, as they refer to text messages from many years ago, using invented laws like 'intent'.

After going through this process from start to finish and speaking with others who have my knowledge or who have also gone through the same process, the only logical conclusion I draw is that the current tennis systems must be dismantled. Players hold all the power: if they unite, they can achieve real change. Due to all the aforementioned reasons, I will not attend the scheduled hearing this month, I will stop the process on my own and cease all communication with the ITIA. The truth shall set you free!”

What do you think of the statement? Thoughts on Marinko? Do you believe in the system or not?

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Escandaloso comunicado de un ex top40 contra la ITIA: “Los sistemas del tenis están corruptos, deben ser desmantelados”