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Tennis Legend Calls ITIA Ban for Mark Philippoussis Over Gambling Ad Voiceover a “Joke”

  • Renea Stubbs expressed disbelief in the ITIA’s decision on Mark Philippoussis
  • A gaming firm paid Philippoussis for a voiceover it used for promotional gain
  • ITIA advised those at risk: “You can always talk to us” if unsure of the rules
Tennis ball next to net
Ex-Serena Williams coach Renea Stubbs has criticized an ITIA decision to ban Mark Philippoussis for breaking gambling policy. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Australian tennis great Renea Stubbs, the former coach of Serena Williams, has called out the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) for its decision to suspend and fine ex men’s pro Mark Philippoussis. She labeled the decision, which comes as a result of a gambling ad voiceover by Philippoussis, “a joke.”

ITIA took to Twitter Wednesday to share its judgment on the former two-time men’s Grand Slam finalist, which includes a $10,000 fine and a four-month suspended ban:

A gaming company, which remains unnamed, paid Philippoussis for the right to record his voice and use it for commercial ends. While ITIA’s CEO Karen Moorhouse admitted in a news release that Philippoussis’ case was “clearly not one of corruption,” she said the fact he was an accredited coach meant that, directly or indirectly, promoting tennis betting was a rulebreaker that “others in the sport need to be aware of.”

Stubbs, who hosts The Power Hour and is Australia’s most successful women’s doubles tennis player, didn’t warm to the ITIA’s handling of Philippoussis. In response to news of the ITIA ruling, Stubbs tweeted:

What the hell! I mean really?? what a joke!”

Moorhouse, meanwhile, had some words of advice for athletes and those in positions like Philippoussis. She stated: “You can always talk to us if you are unsure of any rules, or are seeking clarity on any potential commercial arrangement.”

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