Lleyton Hewitt Suspended for Assault on Anti-Doping Officer
Former Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks due to an incident with a doping control officer. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that the sanction will be in effect from September 25 to October 7. This decision seeks not to affect Hewitt in an “unduly punitive” manner, especially in his Davis Cup schedule. The incident occurred in November, after Hewitt, captain of the Australian team, pushed a 60-year-old volunteer in charge of doping control. This happened after his team’s defeat in the semi-final against Italy. Hewitt denied the accusation, claiming self-defense. However, the accusation was brought after a review of video evidence, witness statements, and interviews.The independent tribunal that reviewed the case confirmed the accusation of offensive conduct. In addition to the suspension, Hewitt, 44, was also fined approximately $20,000. During the suspension period, Hewitt will not be able to participate in any tennis-related activities, including training, mentoring, playing, and captaincy. Australia will face Belgium on September 13 and 14 in Sydney, with a place in the Davis Cup Finals quarter-finals at stake. Hewitt, who won the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon the following year, has the right to appeal the decision.Hewitt’s actions “did not meet the requirements of self-defense” and his behavior “was not reasonable or proportionate.”
Independent Tribunal
