Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori has spoken out about the financial struggles some players face on the tour in the wake of Nicolas Kicker’s suspension for corruption in the sport.
Kicker, who is currently ranked 84th in the world, has been found guilty of match-fixing by the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU). He is alleged to have deliberately fixed two matches on the Challenger Tour during 2015. A period where the Argentine was ranked outside of the top 150. The TIU is yet to issue their penalty, but in the worst case scenario he could face a lifetime ban.
“Argentinian tennis player Nicolas Kicker has been found guilty of match-fixing and other offences under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program,” read a TIU statement.
“Mr Kicker, 25, was found guilty of contriving the outcome of a match at the ATP Challenger tournament in Padova, Italy, in June 2015 and a match at the ATP Challenger tournament in Barranquilla, Colombia, in September 2015.”
Nishikori was set to hit with Kicker as part of his preparations for the French Open. They have never played each other on the tour, but the Japanese No.1 has described his rival as a talented player. Earlier this year Kicker reached the third round of both the Australian Open and Indian Wells.
“Well, yeah, honestly, very sad. Because I think he’s a good player. He can be a top-50 player. Yeah, a little bit sad to see that,” Nishikori said on Sunday.
According to South American sports newspaper Ole, Kicker is set to appeal against his convictions. He has also been found guilty of failing to report a corrupt approach to the relevant authorities. In recent years, match-fixing has become a growing concern in the lower level tournaments where the prize money is much lower.
“Well, I don’t want to say I understand him, I don’t want to understand, but, you know, I think some of the players have tough life from the beginning. I think some people have no money, and you’ve got to be strong to say no to everything.” Nishikori weighed in on the issue.
“But a little bit sad to lose him, I think, if it’s true. We gotta see after what’s the truth.”
The Argentinian is currently suspended from receiving credentials to play at any event sanctioned by the governing bodies of tennis.
Nishikori’s comment on the matter followed his first round win at the French Open. He defeated French wildcard Maxime Janvier 7-6 (7/0), 6-4, 6-3, in what was his first grand slam appearance since Wimbledon. He missed both the US and Australian Open tournaments due to injury.
