Lleyton Hewitt, Suspended for Assault on Anti-Doping Officer
Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks following an incident with a doping control officer. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced this Wednesday that the sanction will be in effect from September 25 to October 7. This measure seeks to avoid affecting Hewitt’s Davis Cup schedule, thus avoiding it being “unduly punitive”. The incident took place in November, after Hewitt, Australia’s captain, pushed a 60-year-old volunteer in charge of doping control, following his team’s defeat in the semi-finals against Italy. Hewitt denied the accusation, which arose after a review of video evidence, witness statements, and interviews, claiming self-defense.In addition to the suspension, Hewitt, 44, and former number 1 in men’s tennis, was fined approximately $20,000. During the suspension, Hewitt will not be able to participate in any tennis-related activities, including training, mentoring, playing, and captaincy. Australia will play against Belgium on September 13th and 14th in Sydney, seeking a place in the Davis Cup quarter-finals. Hewitt, who won the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon the following year, has the right to appeal the decision.The independent tribunal ruled that Hewitt’s actions “did not meet the requirements of self-defense” and that his behavior “was not reasonable or proportionate.”
ITIA
