Ex-World No.78 Nicolas Kicker Gets Match-Fixing Suspension Cut - UBITENNIS

Ex-World No.78 Nicolas Kicker Gets Match-Fixing Suspension Cut

The Argentinian is already training on the practice courts ahead of his return to the tour in the future.

By Adam Addicott
3 Min Read

Argentina’s Nicolas Kicker will be able to return to competitive tennis during the first month of 2021 following a decision made by the Tennis Integrity Unit on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old has been banned from the tour since 2018 after he was found guilty of breaking three rules of the anti-corruption programme. Including trying to contrive or attempt to contrive the outcome or any other aspect of any event, as well as failing to fully cooperate with officials. He was found guilty of breaking rules during two matches in Padova, Italy and Barranquilla, Colombia during 2015. Both of those matches were on the Challenger Tour and at the time he was ranked outside of the world’s top 150. Kicker was originally issued with a six-year ban with three of those years being suspended as long as he didn’t break any further rules.

However the TIU has now reduced Kicker’s penalty by four months due to his support to their educational programme. Including a video he appeared in where he spoke frankly about his suspension and warned other players about the consequences. The video was published on YouTube last October.

“At the time I was 70 in the world, playing Davis Cup, winning, making the third round in Australia, I beat very good players and I had my whole career ahead. That year (2018), I was going to end (the season) among the top 50 in the world.” Kicker said.
“I made a mistake in 2015 that produced a suspension, and I ruined my career, all because of one match.”

The reduction of the ban has been authorised by Independent Anti-Corruption Hearing Officer (AHO) Jane Mulcahy QC. The TIU is based in London and is funded by the seven major bodies of the sport – ITF, ATP, WTA, Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.

“The decision recognises the support given by the player to the Tennis Integrity Unit’s Education programme. In particular he co-operated with the production of an educational video charting his involvement in corruption and warning other players of the consequences.” Mulcahy ruled.

Kicker peaked at a high of 78th in the world back in 2017. He has won three Challenger titles so far in his career and featured in the main draw of four grand slam tournaments. He is allowed to return to competitive tennis from the week commencing January 23rd 20201.

Leave a comment