ITIA Quarterly Update - Q3 2026

Introduction

As we look ahead to 2027, much of our focus is on preparing for changes to tennis’ anti-doping and anti-corruption rules, and making sure players and their support teams feel informed, supported, and ready for what those changes will mean in practice.

These rules do not develop in isolation. There is a process in which the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) consults with all sports about its proposed rule changes. The ITIA, on behalf of tennis, provides feedback on how those proposed changes would affect our testing programme, and, most importantly, the players.

Once these rules are confirmed from WADA’s perspective, we then bring them to our funders in the form of both our rules committee, which contains representatives from the tours and Grand Slams, and player councils – which provides players themselves with the opportunity to provide input into the rules before they are finalised. 

That collaboration is important. Those affected by the rules should have opportunities to understand what is changing, ask questions, share their perspectives and help us think carefully about how changes are implemented and communicated.

Some of the changes for 2027 are significant, particularly around Whereabouts, while others will affect how anti-doping and anti-corruption cases are handled. As we move into the final months of the year, our attention increasingly turns from developing the rules to helping people understand them. We have already begun to share guidance, education and practical resources to help players and their teams prepare before the new rules come into effect.

That approach reflects how we want to work. Rules and enforcement will always be an important part of protecting the sport, but so too is making sure people know where to turn when they have a question, concern or simply need some advice.

Our player support programme is a central part of that, alongside The Line, which continues to provide players and others in tennis with another route to contact us and seek guidance. We want those conversations to happen early. Asking a question before making a decision can often be the simplest way to avoid a problem later.

At the same time, our investigative and enforcement work continues. Cases such as Stefan Milićević’s, a striking demonstration of significant match-fixing and corrupt activity, serves as a reminder of the serious threats that tennis can face and the importance of working together to protect the sport.

There is a common thread through all of this. Protecting tennis works best when there is collaboration, communication and trust. As we prepare for 2027, we will continue to do our part to protect a sport that belongs to all of us.

That approach reflects how we want to work. Rules and enforcement will always be an important part of protecting the sport, but so too is making sure people know where to turn when they have a question, concern or simply need some advice.

Our player support programme is a central part of that, alongside The Line, which continues to provide players and others in tennis with another route to contact us and seek guidance. We want those conversations to happen early. Asking a question before making a decision can often be the simplest way to avoid a problem later.

At the same time, our investigative and enforcement work continues. Cases such as Stefan Milićević’s, a striking demonstration of significant match-fixing and corrupt activity, serves as a reminder of the serious threats that tennis can face and the importance of working together to protect the sport.

There is a common thread through all of this. Protecting tennis works best when there is collaboration, communication and trust. As we prepare for 2027, we will continue to do our part to protect a sport that belongs to all of us.

Sanctions and Provisional Suspensions

The ITIA confirmed five sanctions under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), three sanctions under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP) in the third quarter of 2026 and six provisional suspensions. 

TADP sanctions 
Facundo Bagnis – 12 months

Luiza Esteves – two years

Nick Kyrgios – one month

Romeo Arcuschin – 20 months

Parikshit Somani – four years
 
TACP sanctions 
Anastasia Sukhotina – four years and 10 months

Mark Kaufman – one year and nine months

Luka Todorovic – nine weeks

The CAS dismissed the appeal of French tennis player Samuel Bensoussan, elevating the sanction from one year, 11 months to three years.
 
Provisional Suspensions  
Yash Yadav (TACP)

Yalchin Manafli (TACP)

Nick Kyrgios (TADP)

Evgeniya Burdina (TACP)

Marino Jakic (TACP)

Salma Ewing (TADP)

Match alerts

In the third quarter of 2026, the ITIA received a total of 22 match alerts through its confidential Memoranda of Understanding with the regulated betting industry.

Tennis Anti-Doping Programme Testing 

These figures outline the number of samples taken from players, not the number of tests (multiple samples e.g., urine and blood, can be taken from players when they are tested). All tests undertaken this quarter were with no notice.

The ITIA is responsible for the TADP across all members’ events. Tests in Q3 of 2026 took place at events ranging from World Tennis 15K level to Grand Slams with in and/or out-of-competition testing undertaken in 51 different countries.