Nicolas Kicker opted to withdraw from his quarter-final match against Gustavo Heide at an ATP Challenger Tour event in Florianopolis, Brazil, while facing a challenging situation. After losing the first set 6-2 and falling behind 5-1 in the second set, Kicker decided to end the match.
During the seventh game, when the score was tied, Kicker conceded the advantage point to Heide and chose to end the match without contesting the match point, exchanging handshakes with the umpire and his opponent.
The 33-year-old, once ranked No. 78 globally, holds the unfortunate distinction of being the highest-ranked professional tennis player convicted of match-fixing, resulting in a six-year ban in 2018. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) reduced the suspension by three years with conditions to avoid further violations. Kicker was found guilty of manipulating two Challenger tournament matches in 2015.
Following an appeal, his suspension was shortened by four months after he collaborated with the ITIA on an educational initiative. Kicker also participated in creating a video for the ITIA to raise awareness about corruption in tennis and its consequences for players.
In the video, Kicker expressed his regret, stating that a single mistake in 2015 ruined his promising career trajectory when he was on the brink of breaking into the top 50 globally. He acknowledged the high price he paid for his error and the impact it had on his career and reputation in the tennis community.
Kicker revealed that he was financially dependent on his parents for his tennis career and later fell victim to a deceitful offer from individuals posing as sponsors through Facebook. They turned out to be a group of bettors who pressured him to throw a match, causing Kicker immense distress.
Despite his remorse and acceptance of responsibility, Kicker acknowledges that the shadow of his past actions continues to haunt his professional standing in the tennis world.