Lleyton Hewitt Suspended for Assault on Anti-Doping Officer
Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks after pushing a doping control officer. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced this Wednesday that the sanction will come into effect from September 25 to October 7. This measure seeks not to be “unduly punitive” for Hewitt, avoiding affecting his participation in the Davis Cup. The incident took place in November, after Hewitt, captain of Australia, pushed a 60-year-old volunteer in charge of doping control. This occurred after his team’s defeat in the semi-finals against Italy.The ITIA referred the case to an independent tribunal, which upheld the charge of offensive conduct. The tribunal determined that Hewitt’s actions “did not meet the requirements of self-defense” and that his behavior was “neither reasonable nor proportionate.” In addition to the suspension, Hewitt, 44, and former world number 1, was fined approximately $20,000. During the suspension, Hewitt will not be able to participate in any tennis-related activities, including coaching, mentoring, playing, and captaining teams. Australia will play against Belgium on September 13th and 14th in Sydney, with a place in the Davis Cup quarter-finals at stake. Hewitt, winner of the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon the following year, has the right to appeal the decision.Hewitt denied the accusation, claiming self-defense, but the ITIA presented it after reviewing video evidence, witness statements, and interviews.
ITIA
