Australia Davis Cup captain Hewitt handed ban for pushing anti-doping official / Photo: JAVIER SORIANO - AFP/File
Australia Davis Cup captain Hewitt handed ban for pushing anti-doping official
Australia Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has been handed a two-week suspension for "offensive conduct" after being found guilty of pushing a doping control official, the International Tennis Integrity Agency said on Wednesday.
The former world number one has also been fined Aus$30,000 ($19,800) following an independent tribunal ruling under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.
The ITIA said the 44-year-old was charged in January after he pushed a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone following Australia's Davis Cup semi-final defeat to Italy in Spain two months previously.
Hewitt denied the charge, which was brought by the ITIA following a review of video evidence, witness statements and interviews, citing self-defence.
The case was referred to an independent tribunal and, following a hearing in Sydney in July, chairman Michael Heron upheld the charge of offensive conduct.
The lawyer said Hewitt's actions "did not meet the requirements of self-defence" and that his behaviour was "not reasonable and proportionate".
The suspension will be effective from September 24 until October 7, 2025 so as not to be "unduly punitive" by impacting on Australia's Davis Cup schedule.
Australia host Belgium in the second round of qualifiers in Sydney from September 13 to 14.
Hewitt has the opportunity to appeal but none has been lodged yet.
During the suspension, Hewitt will be unable to take part in all tennis-related activities including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaincy and other associated roles.
"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," said Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA.
"In this case, that line was clearly crossed, and we had no other option but to take action."
K.Lang--MP
