Wimbledon matches part of fixing probe

AN INVESTIGATION is under way into whether matches at this year’s Wimbledon were fixed, writes Matt Majendie.

The Tennis Integrity Unit are reviewing three matches at the Championships — one in the main draw and two in qualifying.

The matches in question are not believed to be linked to the controversial first-round retirements in the men’s draw, while no British player is apparently under investigation.

The TIU said there had been 53 match ‘alerts’ from a total of 31,281 professional contests from April, of which 40 were on the lower tier of the men’s game.

Three were on the ATP Tour, one on the WTA Tour and four at Grand Slams — including one at the French Open.

“Roland Garros and Wimbledon accounted for the four Grand Slam alerts,” the TIU said in a statement. “These will be assessed and reviewed in keeping with the TIU match alert policy.

“Every alert is assessed and followed up as an indicator that something inappropriate may have happened.

“It is important to appreciate that an alert on its own is not evidence of match fixing.”

Matches are queried for a number of reasons, from unusual betting patterns to player fitness and form.

The TIU stress any investigation will remain confidential until they reach their conclusion in the ensuing weeks and months.

Meanwhile, Charles Hollander QC has joined the Independent Anti-Corruption hearing panel, who preside over TIU cases.

“Mr Hollander is a highly respected litigator with nearly 40 years’ experience of cases covering a wide range of sports,” said the TIU.