Lleyton Hewitt Suspended for Inappropriate Conduct
The renowned tennis player Lleyton Hewitt, winner of two Grand Slam titles, has been sanctioned with a two-week suspension for an incident in which he pushed a doping control officer. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Wednesday that the suspension will be in effect from September 25 to October 7. This measure was taken to not affect Hewitt and his participation in the Davis Cup in an “unduly punitive” manner. The incident took place in November, after Australia’s defeat in the semi-final against Italy. Hewitt, in his role as team captain, pushed a 60-year-old anti-doping volunteer.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 “unreasonable and disproportionate.” In addition to the suspension, Hewitt, 44, and former world number one, was fined approximately $20,000. During the suspension, Hewitt will not be able to participate in any tennis-related activities, including training, mentoring, competitions, and his role as captain. Australia will face Belgium on September 13 and 14 in Sydney, in a crucial match to secure a place in the Davis Cup quarter-finals. Hewitt, who conquered the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002, has the right to appeal the decision.Hewitt denied the accusation, claiming self-defense.
ITIA
