Galimberti hit with beting ban

Italian Giorgio Galimberti has been banned from tennis for betting on the outcome of matches.

The former Davis Cup player was found guilty of betting on matches contrary to the ATP's anti-corruption programme and banned for 100 days.

Galimberti, who has won one doubles title on the tour and holds a career-high singles ranking of 115, has also been fined US$35,000.

An ATP investigation found that the 31-year-old had placed wagers on matches during a period from June 2003 until January 2006.

ATP executive vice president Gayle David Bradshaw said: "The ATP's Tennis Anti Corruption Program is clear in regards to gambling on tennis matches by ATP players, player associates and staff.

"It unambiguously states that gambling on any form of tennis matches will not be tolerated.

"Everyone connected to the ATP Tour has a duty to abide by the rules, especially those designed to protect and uphold the integrity of our sport, and the ATP will continue to instigate disciplinary proceedings against anyone found not to be doing so."

Galimberti has played little on the main tour in recent years, with his appearances mainly coming on the second-tier Challenger circuit.

Fellow Italians Potito Starace, Daniele Bracciali and Alessio Di Mauro were hit with similar bans last year.

Starace has just completed his suspension and is making his comeback to the tour this week in Buenos Aires.

The ATP received the information that triggered the investigation in August 2007 via a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the European Sports Security Association, whose membership comprises numerous bookmakers. That MOU was signed in January 2007.