ITIA's crackdown: Russian player and Davis Cup captain suspended

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) stunned the global tennis community on 11 June 2026 by announcing a corruption sanction against a Russian player and a provisional suspension of the Azerbaijan Davis Cup captain, both actions taken amid an ongoing investigation. The joint announcement referenced the Copa Davis team and highlighted the agency’s resolve to protect the sport’s integrity.

Anastasia Sukhotina, 26, was identified as the Russian player involved. She reached a career‑high ranking of 607 in the WTA in August 2019, and she admitted before the ITIA that she committed eight violations of the Anti‑Corruption Programme between 2019 and 2024. Her confession formed the basis of the disciplinary proceedings.

The ITIA’s investigation detailed that Sukhotina attempted to place bets on tennis matches, offered bribes to fellow competitors, and destroyed evidence relevant to the probe. Additional illicit conduct included attempts to manipulate match outcomes and offering financial incentives to other players to alter results. These actions were deemed progressively more serious over the five‑year period.

As a result, the ITIA imposed a suspension of four years and ten months, beginning on 17 July 2026 and ending on 16 May 2031. Sukhotina was also fined US$30,000, of which US$22,500 was suspended pending further review. The sanction effectively ends her professional career, given the length of the ban and her limited exposure on the ITF circuit.

Sukhotina’s case, though centred on lower‑tier ITF events, reverberated throughout the sport, prompting a broader discussion about the effectiveness of existing safeguards. La comunidad del tenis internacional noted the episode as a stark reminder that corruption can surface far from the sport’s spotlight. The ITIA emphasised that such measures are essential to preserve public confidence in tennis.

Yalchin Manafli, the captain of Azerbaijan’s Davis Cup team and a former ITF World Tour tournament director in his country, faced a provisional suspension on 11 June 2026. The measure followed his refusal to submit his mobile phone for forensic analysis as part of the same corruption inquiry. The agency described his non‑cooperation as a serious breach of the investigative process.

The provisional ban was confirmed by independent anti‑corruption hearing official Philippe Cavalieros, who cited substantial evidence justifying the action. Manafli is barred from any duties related to national representation or the organisation of international tournaments until the disciplinary case reaches a final resolution. His future in sports administration now hinges on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

In its official statement, the ITIA warned that any individual under suspension – whether permanent or provisional – is prohibited from playing, training, or attending events sanctioned by World Tennis, the WTA, the ATP, the Grand Slams or any national federation. The agency reiterated its zero‑tolerance policy and pledged to continue monitoring and publishing further resolutions as the investigations progress.