In unsanctioned events, players are still subject to the sport’s anti-corruption rules.
Unsanctioned events are not subject to tennis' anti-corruption rules, but players and officials are subject to those rules.
The Tennis Integrity Unit said players and officials participating in non-tour pro events popping up while the pro circuit is shutdown due to the coronavirus must abide by tennis' standard integrity rules.
More: Berrettini Headlines UTR Pro Series
"The TIU is aware of the emergence of new tennis events and exhibitions in certain countries during the current lockdown of the professional game," the Tennis Integrity Unit said in a statement. "To date, these events have been privately organized and not sanctioned or recognized by the international governing bodies of tennis. As such they are not subject to the sport’s anti-corruption rules (TACP – Tennis Anti-Corruption Program).
"But professional players, officials and support staff who participate in them and who are registered with the ATP, WTA and ITF will continue to be Covered Persons. This means they will still be subject to anti-corruption rules. The TIU has issued guidance to players in this respect."
Matteo Berrettini, 39th-ranked Reilly Opelka, Tennys Sandgren and Tommy Paul form the men's field for the UTR Pro Match Series presented by Tennis Channel.
The mini tournament featuring top ATP and WTA players will be televised live by Tennis Channel starting on May 8th and feature social distancing rules. It's billed as the first top tier pro tennis event since the coronavirus crisis forced tennis to go dark on March 8th.
The TIU emphasized it has provided information, but cannot endorse any of the new pro events.
"The TIU has, upon request, provided integrity-related information to some organizers," the TIU announced. "This does not constitute advice and can in no way be seen as an endorsement or approval of any event that does not come under its jurisdiction.
"It is vital that as these new events begin to appear they regard integrity as a nonnegotiable central priority to reduce any risk of match-fixing and betting-related corruption."
Photo credit: Christopher Levy
