Russian tennis player Yana Sizikova has been released from custody after match-fixing allegations. The 26-year-old had been taken into custody on Thursday in relation to an investigation from last October for “corruption” and “organized gang fraud”.
ADVERTISEMENTRussian tennis player Yana Sizikova has been released without charge following her arrest at the French Open in Paris on Thursday.
The 26-year-old had been taken into custody over match-fixing allegations during a game at Roland Garros last year.
She had been accused of “sports corruption” and “organised gang fraud”.
Prosecutors say the allegations centre on a match at Roland Garros last year. Sizikova was playing with partner Madison Brengle of the United States. The pair lost 7-6(8) 6-4 to Romanians Andreea Mitu and Patricia Maria Tig.
During the match, hundreds of thousands of euros were wagered on a break of serve during the second set at 2-2. During that game, Sizikova hit two double faults and lost her serve without winning any points.
The sports journalist Michael Kurn says Sizikova's arrest is the most high-profile case so far.
"It's a problem that was highlighted in 2003 while in 2011 Wimbledon organisers issued a list of people suspected to be involved match-fixing," Kurn says.
"It's an issue that the authorities want to stop because it does not send out a great message for the sport."