Tennis star suspended on anti-corruption charges after winning 10 titles this year

Swedish tennis player Dragos Nicolae Madaras has been provisionally suspended from the sport on anti-corruption charges. The World No 191 won 10 ITF titles this year and is a household name in the lower circuits of tennis.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Madaras has been prohibited from competing in any events organised by tennis's governing bodies. The ban has been in place since August 17 and it has been revealed that it was put in place due to his failure to comply with a demand.

Madaras appealed against the provisional suspension but that was dismissed on September 22. The ban will last until there is a full consideration of the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program charges.

In a statement on Wednesday, Madaras said: "(ITIA) today confirms that Swedish tennis player Dragos Nicolae Madaras has been provisionally suspended from the sport, pending the full consideration of Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) charges.

"Since 17 August 2023, the player has been prohibited from competing in or attending any sanctioned tennis events organised by the governing bodies of the sport. The provisional suspension was imposed under Section F.3.b.i.1. of the TACP. The covered person has failed to comply with a demand.

"The player appealed against the imposition of the provisional suspension, but their appeal was dismissed by independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer Professor Richard McLaren on 22 September 2023.

"The ITIA is an independent body established by the Governing Bodies of Tennis to promote, encourage, enhance and safeguard the integrity of professional tennis worldwide."

Madaras had put together a sensational run in 2023. He won a remarkable 10 ITF titles, the most of any men's singles player in one calendar year.

His form earned him a place at his first-ever Grand Slam, with the 26-year-old competing at Wimbledon over the summer. Madaras reached the second qualifying round after beating Australian Dane Sweeny in the first qualifier.

Madaras was ultimately beaten by Michael Mmoh of the USA. The Swede's suspension came into play just two months after he lost at SW19 in late June.