The Controversial Case of Marinko Matosevic
Marinko Matosevic, a former Australian tennis player and coach, has made shocking admissions regarding his use of performance-enhancing substances. In a candid discussion about the pros and cons of taking clenbuterol—a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)—Matosevic declared, “I’ve done it – I’ve cheated with it.” His comments have sparked significant controversy within the tennis community.
Matosevic also described his experience of training at “full power” and feeling as though he “wasn’t kinda trying” during a blood transfusion in Mexico in 2018. This incident was part of a broader pattern of misconduct that ultimately led to his four-year ban from the sport.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) investigated Matosevic for using prohibited methods and found him guilty of several violations. The ITIA’s findings revealed that Matosevic not only used clenbuterol but also facilitated another player’s use of blood doping. Additionally, he provided advice to other players on how to avoid positive drug tests.
During his four-year ban, Matosevic is prohibited from coaching or working with any player, competing in matches, or attending any tennis events organized by the ITIA, including ATP, WTA, or Tennis Australia events such as the Australian Open.
Matosevic came forward in February, admitting that he had undergone a blood transfusion in Morelos, Mexico, in early 2018. At the time, he was 32 years old and played his final tournament at Indian Wells. The ITIA’s findings detailed communications between Matosevic and other players, although their identities remain undisclosed.
Key Findings from the ITIA Investigation
In early 2018, Matosevic traveled to Mexico to compete in an ATP Challenger Tour event in Cuernavaca, Morelos. During this time, he communicated regularly with Player B through text messages. These messages revealed their involvement in activities such as attending a clinic, blood doping, and making payments to a doctor. The messages also highlighted the performance-enhancing effects they experienced.
Matosevic noted a noticeable improvement in his physical condition, stating that he “practiced [at] full power” and that training felt unusually easy. These messages occurred during the same period when both players were in Morelos and during which Matosevic competed in the event.
The ITIA also found messages between Matosevic and a player from eight years ago, where Matosevic referred to Player B as “Lance.” The ITIA interpreted this as a reference to Lance Armstrong, the disgraced cyclist.
Matosevic has been involved in coaching current Australian players Chris O’Connell and Jordan Thompson. However, this article does not suggest any wrongdoing involving these players.
Communication About Doping and Clenbuterol
The ITIA published 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 stated, “I’ve done it. I’ve cheated with it.”
On 12 January 2020, Player A exchanged messages 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. 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.
Matosevic also discussed clenbuterol with an unknown person in April 2024. He recommended it as a way to burn fat while training and explained that it was banned but could be obtained over the counter in Indonesia. He described its effects as causing an elevated heart rate and increased sweating.
Matosevic admitted to his Mexico blood transfusion in an interview with tennis website The First Serve. He described the situation as desperate due to health issues in 2017 and admitted to acting recklessly. He retired shortly after and reflected on the seriousness of his decision.
However, Matosevic criticized the ITIA’s investigation process, calling for the current systems to be “dismantled.” He claimed the process was corrupt and lacked credibility, citing the use of phones under threatening circumstances and legal cases based on old text messages.
Despite his complaints, the ITIA rejected Matosevic’s concerns. They stated that obtaining a player’s phone is a standard investigative tool in detecting and prosecuting doping offenses. While inconvenient, they argued it is a necessary part of an effective anti-doping system.
