Former ATP World No.39 Banned For Four Years By ITIA For Doping Violations

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 19:01 IST

Former Australian tennis pro Marinko Matosevic has been handed a four-year ban after admitting to blood doping and multiple anti-doping violations.

Marinko Matosevic might be wishing for the kind of legal backing Jannik Sinner has right now.

The former world No. 39 has been handed a four-year ban after breaching anti-doping rules between 2018 and 2020, a ruling that effectively sidelines him from tennis until 2030.

From Denial to Admission

Matosevic, who had recently been working as a coach for Chris O’Connell and Jordan Thompson, initially denied the charges.

But just before his hearing, he changed course — admitting to blood doping, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

The Charges

An independent tribunal found Matosevic guilty of five anti-doping rule violations.

These included:

• Use of a prohibited method through blood doping
• Facilitating another player to blood dope
• Providing advice on how to avoid positive tests
• Use and possession of clenbuterol

Clenbuterol, typically used to treat asthma, is sometimes misused in sports as a performance-enhancing substance.

Career Halted

Matosevic is now banned from all tennis events and activities sanctioned by the ITIA, including ATP, WTA, and Tennis Australia competitions, until 2030.

He is also prohibited from coaching or working with players during that time, a major blow given his recent transition into coaching.

Importantly, there is no suggestion of wrongdoing from either O’Connell or Thompson.

A Sharp Fall

Matosevic’s career once saw him compete at all four Grand Slams, earning a reputation as a gritty competitor.

Now, his name is tied to one of the sport’s more serious anti-doping cases.

(with AFP inputs)

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