Australia's Davis Cup skipper and tennis great Lleyton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks and fined $30,000 after a confrontation with a 60-year-old anti-doping volunteer.

The sanction came from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) due to allegations of offensive behavior during Australia's defeat to Italy in their Davis Cup semi-final in Malaga, Spain, on November 23, 2024.

Lleyton Hewitt Suspended for Offensive Conduct

Lleyton Hewitt Faces Two-Week Ban, $30,000 Fine for Pushing Anti-Doping Lleyton Hewitt Faces Two-Week Ban, $30,000 Fine for Pushing Anti-Doping
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According to Sporting News, Hewitt is suspended from taking on any duty related to tennis, such as his job as coach and captain of the Davis Cup team. He is accused of physically shoving the volunteer anti-doping chaperone, an incident reportedly captured on video and supported by witness statements.

Although charged with the offence, Hewitt protested the accusation using the plea of self-defence. Nonetheless, an independent tribunal led by Michael Heron KC turned down this defence as Hewitt's actions were deemed "not reasonable and proportionate."

The tribunal sustained the charge of offensive behaviour and issued the fine in addition to suspending him.

Tribunal's Decision Regarding the Incident

The ITIA clarified that the suspension followed a thorough investigation, including video footage, witness interviews, and depositions. The tribunal rejected Hewitt's self-defense claim, determining that his behavior was unacceptable, particularly given the vital role anti-doping volunteers play in maintaining the integrity of the sport.

The delay in arriving at the final ruling was attributed to the tribunal's attempts to honor Hewitt's plea for a hearing in person in Sydney, which was held in July.

In order not to interfere with his Davis Cup obligations, the tribunal postponed the beginning of the suspension until Sept. 24 so that Hewitt could, in any case, play for Australia's next match against Belgium in Sydney. Up to this point, no appeal has been filed by Hewitt.

ITIA's Strong Denunciation of Hewitt's Conduct

The ITIA's chief executive, Karen Moorhouse, denounced Hewitt's behavior firmly:

Anti-doping personnel play a fundamental role behind the scenes in upholding the integrity of tennis. And they should be able to go about their roles without fear of physical contact. In this case, that line was clearly crossed, and we had no other option but to take action.

Hewitt's Legacy

Hewitt, a Wimbledon and US Open winner, is still an iconic figure in tennis. He was the youngest player in history to become World No. 1 when he accomplished this feat at 20 years old. Though his career has been incomparable, Hewitt has had several on-court incidents that stained his reputation as a hot-headed competitor.

While Hewitt is serving his suspension, the Australian Davis Cup team is making preparations for their match against Belgium at Ken Rosewall Arena.