Career
27 on October 15, 2007. He was a clay court specialist, and was coached by Umberto Rianna. Starace was banned from tennis for life by the Italian Tennis Federation for betting offences.
One of the most memorable runs of Starace"s career was when he made the men"s doubles semifinals of the 2012 French Open, partnering Daniele Bracciali, before succumbing to top seeds Daniel Nestor and Max Mirnyi.
In singles, he made four Association of Tennis Professionals finals but lost in all of them. He represented Italy at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he lost to eventual gold medallist Rafael Nadal in the first round.
Following Alessio di Mauro"s 9-month ban in November 2007, Starace and Daniele Bracciali were each fined and given short suspensions from playing. Starace received a fine of £21,400 and a 6-week ban from January 1, 2008.
Starace"s case revolved around his final in Casablanca against the Spaniard Pablo Andújar, which the Italian lost.
Starace had led their head-to-head 5-0 going into the match. Bookmaker Massimo Erodiani asked via Skype if Starace had received a certified cheque to lose match and received an affirmative answer, explaining that all bets were safe on a Starace loss. In 2015, the Italian Tennis Federation banned Bracciali and Starace for life.
Doubles Current through 2013 Wimbledon Championships.