The Controversial Case of Marinko Matosevic
A former Australian tennis player and coach, now banned from the sport, made a shocking admission when discussing the use of clenbuterol, a substance classified as an anabolic agent by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and strictly prohibited in competitive sports. He stated, “I’ve done it – I’ve cheated with it,” highlighting his involvement in doping practices.
Matosevic also described his experience of training at “full power” and feeling as though he “wasn’t kinda trying” during a blood transfusion he underwent in Mexico in 2018. This incident marked a turning point in his career and led to significant consequences.
Matosevic received a four-year ban following an investigation by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The agency released detailed findings about the former world No.39, revealing that he had not only used a prohibited method but also facilitated another player’s use of blood doping. Additionally, he provided advice to other players on how to avoid positive drug tests.
The ITIA found that Matosevic had possessed and used clenbuterol, which further contributed to his ban. During the four-year period, he is prohibited from coaching or working with any player, competing, or attending any tennis events organized by the ITIA, including ATP, WTA, or Tennis Australia events such as the Australian Open.
The Investigation and Its Findings
Matosevic came forward in February, admitting he was under investigation by the ITIA. He described his actions as “stupidly and recklessly” conducting a blood transfusion in Morelos, Mexico, in early 2018. This event occurred just before his final tournament, the Indian Wells event, marking the end of his professional career.
The ITIA’s findings detailed communications between Matosevic and other players, although their identities remain undisclosed. In early 2018, Matosevic traveled to Mexico for an ATP Challenger Tour event in Cuernavaca, Morelos. During this time, he maintained regular contact with Player B. Their text messages revealed activities such as attending a clinic, engaging in blood doping, making payments to a doctor, and experiencing performance-enhancing effects.
Matosevic described a noticeable improvement in his physical condition, stating that he felt he could train at full power and that training felt unusually easy. These messages were exchanged during the same period when both players were present in Morelos and during Matosevic’s participation in the event.
The ITIA also published messages between Matosevic and a player from eight years ago, where he referred to Player B as “Lance.” The watchdog interpreted this as a reference to Lance Armstrong, a well-known cyclist who faced doping allegations.
Coaching and Doping Allegations
Matosevic has been involved in coaching current Australian players Chris O’Connell and Jordan Thompson. However, this masthead does not suggest any wrongdoing involving these players. The ITIA also uncovered correspondence between Matosevic and an unknown player regarding the best timing to provide a blood sample before the 2020 Australian Open.
Additionally, there were messages from two years ago where Matosevic was questioned about taking clenbuterol. In response, he admitted to having an elevated heart rate and said, “I’ve done it. I’ve cheated with it.”
In January 2020, Player A communicated with Matosevic about the timing of a blood test required after receiving a notification from the ITF. Player A informed Matosevic that he needed to provide a blood sample between 12 and 19 January 2020, just before the start of the Australian Open. Matosevic reassured him that clenbuterol would be out of his system within 10 days, leading Player A to schedule his test for 19 January 2020.
In April 2024, Matosevic discussed clenbuterol with an unknown person, explaining that it was a popular choice among athletes despite being banned. He mentioned that it could be obtained over the counter in Indonesia and suggested methods of administration, such as squirting it into the mouth. He also admitted to cheating and described its effects, including an elevated heart rate and increased sweating.
Matosevic’s Reflections and Criticisms
Matosevic admitted to his Mexico blood transfusion in an interview with the tennis website The First Serve. He expressed regret over his actions, stating, “Under desperate circumstances (I had some health issues in 2017), I stupidly and recklessly did a blood transfusion in Morelos, Mexico.” He retired shortly after, realizing the seriousness of his decision.
However, Matosevic criticized the ITIA’s investigation process, calling for the current systems to be “dismantled.” He claimed that the investigation involved threatening circumstances, such as taking his phone and making legal cases over old photos and text messages. He argued that the process was corrupt and lacked credibility, with rules that change arbitrarily.
Despite his complaints, the ITIA rejected his concerns, stating that obtaining a player’s phone is a standard investigative tool. They emphasized that while inconvenient, it is a necessary part of an effective anti-doping system.
