Oliver Anderson's tennis future is in doubt after the 19-year-old Aussie pled guilty to match-fixing charges in a Victoria court.
The former Australian Open junior champion admitting taking the opening set of a Challenger-level match he won in Traralgon, Victoria last October.
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No conviction was recorded after Anderson's plea.
The Brisbane native was given "an adjourned undertaking to be of good behavior for two years" and agreed to pay a $500 fine according to a Courier-Mail report by Paul Malone.
The 2016 Australian Open boys' champion has been been provisionally suspended from the pro circuit as Tennis Integrity Unit officials investigate match-fixing charges against him.
Anderson's father, Clark Anderson, told the Courier-Mail his son has been coaching recently; he's unsure if the younger Anderson will attempt to resume a playing career.
"The suspension applies with immediate effect and will remain in place until the conclusion of Tennis Integrity Unit investigations," the Tennis Integrity Unit said in a statement annoucning the provisional suspension. "During this period Mr Anderson, currently ranked 1083, is excluded from competing in, or attending, any tournament or event organised or sanctioned by the governing bodies of the sport.
"The suspension is not a determination of the player’s guilt or innocence of corruption offences under the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program."
Anderson admitted intentionally losing the opening set during the Traralgon Challenger event in Victoria, Australia last October.
Anderson lost the first set but then went on to win the match in three sets.
Anderson's attorney, Ben Ihle, said his client had been struggling with injuries and was contemplating quitting tennis when a friend approached with the match-fixing offer.
"This is a thoroughly honest individual who has made a very stupid and foolish decision," Mr. Ihle said in comments published by the Courier-Mail. "The talent he has had as a tennis player has been as much a burden for him as a gift.:
Anderson admitted his involvement to police, but reportedly did not think his name would be made public.
Suspicions were raised when a betting company accepted a $2,000 bet at odds of $7 for Anderson's opponent, compatriot Harrison Lombe, winning the first set. The betting firm rejected another, larger bet, on Lombe, who was ranked 920 spots below Anderson, winning the opening set.
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