Stefan Milicevic Banned for 24 Years Over Match Fixing in Tennis

Serbian Tennis Player Receives Long Ban for Match Fixing

Stefan Milicevic has been banned from tennis for 24 years and fined £52,808 ($70,000) by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) after being found guilty of fixing six matches. The investigation revealed that he also tried to recruit other players into a corrupt network responsible for further match fixing.

Milicevic, who peaked at a world singles ranking of 1338 as a teenager in August 2014, faces a suspension preventing him from playing, coaching, or attending any events organized by World Tennis, WTA, ATP, the Grand Slams, or national associations until 8 October 2050.

The 29-year-old did not respond or cooperate with the ITIA's investigation despite multiple attempts through various channels, including a major offense notice sent on 24 September that went unanswered. An ITIA spokesperson clarified that his lack of cooperation did not extend the ban but reflected the seriousness of his offenses, which included leading others into corruption, a highly punishable action under ITIA rules.

Further Investigation and Related Suspensions

Milicevic's former doubles partner, Marino Jakic, is also under provisional suspension since 24 June while the ITIA investigates potential breaches from 2023. Jakic appealed the suspension, but an independent anti-corruption hearing officer, Amani Khalifa, upheld it in August due to substantial evidence.

Career and Background

Milicevic earned less than £4,000 in career prize money and played 11 professional matches between 2022 and 2024, all on the ITF Tour. He previously played tennis as a student at the University of Minnesota and worked as a coach at DePaul University in Chicago.

Because Milicevic did not respond to the charges, his case did not go before a hearing officer and instead resulted in a "deemed sanction." This means no written decision was issued beyond the ban and fine.

Context Within Tennis Corruption

This lengthy ban exceeds the 20-year sanction handed to Quentin Folliot, described by the ITIA last December as a key figure in a syndicate manipulating matches and recruiting players between 2022 and 2024. Folliot denied all charges but was still linked to significant corruption efforts within professional tennis.

• Player: Stefan Milicevic
• Age: 29
• Highest Ranking: 1338 (August 2014)
• Ban Length: 24 years (until 8 October 2050)
• Fine: £52,808 ($70,000)
• Matches Fixed: 6 confirmed; 6 more attempted
• Professional Matches Played (2022-2024): 11 (ITF Tour)
• Previous Roles: Player at University of Minnesota, Coach at DePaul University