Australian tennis coach suspended until 2030 for blood doping and anti-doping offences
Australian tennis coach and former world number 39 Marinko Matosevic has been banned for four years for historic anti-doping offenses between 2018 and 2020.
The 40-year-old, who announced in February that he was being investigated and described the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) process as “corrupt and unfair”, was banned from blood doping after receiving a blood transfusion in Mexico while competing in 2018.
Marinko Matosevic towards the end of his professional tennis career in 2016.Credit: Fairfax Media
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the ITIA said Matosevic facilitated the administration of blood drugs to another player, advising other players on how to avoid positive tests and the use and possession of clenbuterol, a banned substance.
During her four-year ban, Matosevic cannot coach or work with any player in any context, cannot compete and is prohibited from participating in any tennis events or ITIA member’s activities, such as ATP, WTA or Tennis Australia events, including the Australian Open.
He has coached current Australian players Chris O’Connell and Australian Open wild card player Jordan Thompson, who reached the second round at Melbourne Park in January. This byline does not contain any allegations of wrongdoing regarding O’Connell or Thompson.
The ITIA decision stated that Matosevic denied the charges when he was formally charged in May 2025, then admitted blood doping in media comments shortly before the trial took place.
Marinko Matosevic in action at the 2015 Australian Open.Credit: Getty Images
“A hearing was scheduled to be held via videoconference on February 9, 2026. In the weeks leading up to the hearing, Matosevic ceased to engage in the arbitration process and pleaded guilty to a blood doping charge before making a statement through the media,” the ITIA statement said.
“Despite numerous notices, Matosevic chose not to attend the hearing and the hearing took place as planned.
