Andy Murray says match fixers should receive 'severe punishment'

World No 1 Andy Murray says match fixers should receive the "most severe punishments", in the wake of a scandal involving an up-and-coming young player.

According to Australian media reports, the reigning Australian Open boys champion Oliver Anderson has been charged with match-fixing.

The allegations relate to a first-round match at the second-tier Traralgon Challenger tournament in Victoria last October.

The reports added that police in Australia have confirmed they have charged an 18-year-old and that the case is due to go to court later in the year.

Murray, who is playing in the Qatar Open in Doha, said he had read about the case and, although he did not want to comment on the specifics, said the issue of match-fixing in tennis had to be tackled.

"It's disappointing for the game any time something like that comes out," said Murray.

"However, if people are caught and charged, I see that as being a positive thing.

"If it's going on and nothing is happening about it, that's much worse for the future of the sport.

"So, if it's happening, there should be the most severe punishments for whoever is involved in it."

Murray's rival at the top of the rankings Novak Djokovic, who is also in Doha, was saddened to hear the news.

"Very disappointing to hear, especially considering the fact that he's young and won the junior Grand Slam," said Djokovic.

"You know, obviously the quality is there and the potential is there.

"I don't understand why he has done it."