On the same day as the men’s Wimbledon final, an investigation published by German publication ZDF accused two top players and a coach of being involved in widespread match-fixing.
Nikolaz Basilashvili and former Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev have been accused of breaking anti-corruption rules along with their former Belarussian coach Yahor Yatsyk. According to ZDF, five matches involving Karatsev had unusual betting patterns, two of those occurred when he was working with Yatsyk. The two had previously been questioned by French police over the matter but at present no further action has been taken. Furthermore, Karatsev’s former girlfriend, Sofia Dmitrieva, has already been banned for match-fixing.
As for Georgia’s Basilashvili, it is claimed that the ITIA is already investigating him. Although this hasn’t been confirmed by the organization. Suspicious betting patterns emerged over a doubles match at Wimbledon he played in 2021 alongside Radu Albot. Albot is not suspected of being involved in match-fixing.
In wake of these serious accusations which in the worst-case scenario could result in a lifetime ban from the sport if found guilty, how have the players and their teams responded?
Karatsev was questioned about the ZDF article by the media outlet Metaratings.ru. In a very brief response, the world No.40 said he was unaware of the news. However, he didn’t directly comment on those allegations.
“I haven’t heard anything about it. I don’t know what you are talking about,” Karatsev told Metaratings.ru.
There was more of a response given by Karatsev’s father Kazbek who told RIA Novosti that he is aware that Yatsyk was suspected of match-fixing. Although dismissed the idea that his son is also involved by arguing that the two haven’t worked together for over a year. Even though ZDF points out that two suspicious matches involving Karatsev occurred when he was coached by the Belarussian.
“This is the first time I hear about it. This simply cannot be. I know that Yatsyk was already suspected of fixed matches in 2020. But what about Aslan? They haven’t worked together for over a year,” said Kazbek.
“I don’t even know where such information could come from, it became interesting to myself. Maybe some kind of provocation. But Aslan is very calm, he does not bother anyone. I haven’t been able to talk to him about this yet. He has a tournament now, and before the games we usually do not call each other so that he is less worried.”
As for Basilashvili, he said during an interview with Europop.ge that there is no need to comment on what he describes as ‘nonsense.’ Denying that he has been involved in any form of match-fixing. Basilashvili has been ranked as high as 16th in the world and has won five ATP titles.
“And should I comment on this nonsense? How many times have they written such things about me, have I ever been justified (convicted)?” He said.
There have also been responses from two tennis federations. The president of the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) Shamil Tarpischev claims if Karatsev had committed any wrongdoing he would have been informed by now. That is disputed as the ITIA doesn’t have to contact a player’s federation during an investigation unless it is relevant to their proceedings.
“Funny situation. If there is something official, then it can be discussed. And so, this is a tabloid chronicle, it’s even ridiculous to discuss, you never know who says what. And besides, this is 2019-2020, if there was something, we would have been informed long ago. And no one told us anything,” Tarpischev told Sport Express.
Finally, there has been little said from Yatsyk’s camp except that of the Belarussian Tennis Federation who interestingly appear eager to distance themselves from the coach.
“I would like to note that Yegor Yatsyk, the former mentor of Karatsev, is not a member of the Belarusian Tennis Federation. As a former athlete, I condemn the actions of athletes in any sport related to match-fixing and betting. I share the position of the authorities of all countries in the world that are fighting this evil,” BTF chairman Sergei Rutenko told rt.com.
Both Basilashvili and Karatsev are playing this week at the Swedish Open. Basilashvili retired from his first round match after trailing by a set and 0-3 but Karatsev won his encounter with Lorenzo Sonego.
NOTE: All of the above statements were originally said in the person’s native language and have been translated into English as accurately as possible.
