Match-fixing is a well-known and serious problem in tennis that the sport's governing bodies are fighting fiercely against. Because tennis is an individual sport, it is theoretically easier to manipulate a result than in team sports, as perpetrators need only bribe or threaten a single player.
While the absolute top players on the ATP and WTA tours earn millions, the financial situation is vastly different at lower levels, such as the ITF World Tennis Tour (formerly Futures) and Challenger tournaments. At this level, many players struggle to cover their travel and training expenses, making them more vulnerable to financial fraud.
Back in April of this year, Danish tennis player August Holmgren was approached about match-fixing.
He reveals this in an interview with "Ekstra Bladet."
"Someone messaged me. He asked if he could be my manager. I replied that I already have a manager, but thanks anyway. Then he wrote: 'No, okay, but if you throw the first game of the first set, I can make sure you get a couple of thousand euros.' It was pretty wild."
Holmgren says he at no point considered accepting the offer.
"Not at all. I can certainly see how others in a more unfortunate situation might be tempted—if they genuinely cannot afford to play professional sport. There are many stories about tennis players traveling to a tournament and having literally no more than 20 dollars in their bank account when they finish. In those cases, it can sometimes be difficult."
August Holmgren is set to play doubles with Carl Emil Overbeck against Alexander Donski and Pyotr Nesterov in the Davis Cup match on Saturday.