From Slam Glory to Scandal: Oliver Anderson’s Second Serve at Tennis

Oliver Anderson once stood atop junior tennis, claiming the 2016 Australian Open boys’ singles title against a field that featured future stars like Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Alex de Minaur. But within a year, the rising Australian was embroiled in a match-fixing scandal that would derail his career and redefine his identity.

From Centre Court to Courtroom

At just 18, Anderson looked set to make waves in the senior game. Instead, by the end of 2016, he was being approached by match-fixing syndicates and ultimately threw the first set of a Challenger match in Traralgon—a move that saw him win the match 4-6, 6-0, 6-2 but lose his reputation.

Authorities pounced the following day. As undercover police waited courtside, Anderson sensed the consequences of his actions had caught up with him.

“All I could think is, ‘this is absolutely nuts,’” Anderson told BBC Sport. “I knew I’d made an absolute blunder.”

No Payout, Heavy Price

Despite never receiving any payment, Anderson was caught. A suspicious A$10,000 bet on his opponent in the first set raised red flags. He fully cooperated with authorities and received a two-year good behaviour bond in 2017, avoiding a conviction but serving a 19-month suspension.

He says the act was an escape from a sport he’d fallen out of love with. Injuries, pressure, and confusion about his future pushed the teen to take a reckless route out.

“In my mind, it was just a perfect seamless exit—even though it was completely the wrong thing to do,” he admitted.

A Rock’n’Roll Detour

Oliver Anderson won the Australian Open boys’ singles title in 2016, following in the footsteps of Nick Kyrgios (2013) and Alexander Zverev (2014)

Leaving the court behind, Anderson explored his true passion: music. He played in bands around Queensland’s dingy bars, influenced by classic rock legends like Black Sabbath and Cream.

To pay the bills, he joined the family’s textile business, eventually launching his own resortwear label. Fashion became his profession, music his outlet—and tennis, a thing of the past.

The Comeback No One Expected

Then came a Christmas 2023 hitting session with his brother. One rally led to another, and soon Anderson was back training at the Tennis Australia National Academy. Impressed by his form, head coach Brent Larkham handed him a wildcard into a Futures event. He won twice, earning enough points to start climbing back.

What followed was a low-budget, global comeback tour—Mexico, Dominican Republic, Mozambique, Angola. In Angola, he even won a title. His unlikely second chapter was underway.

But just as momentum built, a quad tear forced him to the sidelines again. Now 27, Anderson is weighing whether to return—or call time once more.

From Regret to Redemption

“If I had to stop right now, I’d still say it was a success,” he said. “It feels like I could walk away feeling happy that I’d played again.”

Oliver Anderson’s story is one of promise, fall, and personal redemption. While the scandal will always shadow his name, his raw honesty, and unconventional journey back to the game, offer a rare look into the complex world behind tennis’ bright lights.