Corruption cases in tennis hit new high in 2016

SYDNEY— World tennis's underfire watchdog dealt with more corruption cases last year than ever before, it revealed Thursday, with the issue back in the spotlight ahead of the first Grand Slam of the season.

In its annual report, the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) said 11 players and officials were either successfully prosecuted or had appeals dismissed in 2016.

It also handled an unprecedented number of match alerts received from the betting industry where unusual or suspicious behavior was detected.

The report's release comes just days before the Australian Open in Melbourne, which was overshadowed last year by bombshell allegations of widespread match-fixing in the sport.

The integrity unit came under fierce scrutiny amid claims it was not doing enough to counter the scourge. It strongly denied covering up any evidence and launched an independent review.

"The issue of betting-related corruption in tennis made 2016 a difficult year for the integrity of our sport," said TIU chairman Philip Brook.

"During the year, information received from partners in the betting industry confirmed an increasing number of matches at the lower levels of the professional game that were the subject of unusual or suspicious betting patterns.

"While this was not conclusive proof of corruption, it is an indication of concern that in all cases has to be investigated by the TIU."

The London-based unit successfully convicted and sanctioned nine players and officials during the year, with five cases leading to lifetime bans.

(AFP)

MELBOURNE — The men's world number one is set to be treated as tennis royalty at the Australian Open next week with the official local broadcaster planning to refer to him as "Sir Andy Murray."

The Scot was knighted in Britain's New Year Honours list after a magnificent 2016 and tennis chiefs have been mulling what to call him, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

It said Channel Seven had decided to reference the three-time Grand Slam champion by his new official title when he plays his first match in Australia since being recognized by the Queen.

"Not only he is tennis royalty, he's now a Knight Bachelor, so yes of course we will be showing him the respect he deserves and refer to him as Sir Andy Murray," the broadcaster's head of sport Saul Shtein said.

Murray's brother, Jamie, playing doubles at the Sydney International, said it would be "weird" to hear broadcasters and announcers in Melbourne call his sibling "Sir".

"If he is walking out on to court and the announcer is calling him as Sir Andy Murray, that would be a bit weird, yeah," he told the Herald.

Earlier this week, Murray told British media he wants his rivals on the circuit to keep calling him Andy.

"A few of the players have been chatting to me about it and asking how it works, what does it mean and what do we call you," Murray said. "Andy is fine."

Murray's stellar 2016 saw him crowned Wimbledon champion, enjoy a successful Olympic title defence and end the year with the top ranking.

He enters the opening Grand Slam of the year as a five-time loser in the Melbourne Park final and determined to end the jinx.

(AFP)