Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt fined and suspended for 'offensive conduct'

(Getty/Mark Metcalfe)

Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks after a tribunal ruling by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) found him guilty of pushing a 60-year-old anti-doping official.

The incident occurred last November after Australia's loss to Italy in the Davis Cup semi-finals.

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Hewitt, a two-time Grand Slam champion, is currently in Sydney preparing Australia as captain for their Davis Cup qualifying tie against Belgium on the 13th and 14th of September.

However, the ban will come into effect from September 25 to October 7, so it won't interfere with his Davis Cup commitments.

He has also been dealt a A$30,220 fine.

"Following an ITIA investigation, Hewitt, 44, was charged on 6 January 2025 with a breach of Article 7.15.1.1 of the TADP (engaging in offensive conduct towards a doping control official), after pushing a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone at the conclusion of Australia’s Davis Cup semi-final defeat to Italy in Malaga, Spain, on 23 November 2024," part of the ITIA statement read.

"Hewitt denied the charge - which was brought by the ITIA following review of video evidence, witness statements, and interviews - citing self-defence. The case was referred to an independent tribunal, convened by Sport Resolutions, and chaired by Michael Heron KC."

According to the independent tribunal, Hewitt "did not meet the requirements of self-defence", and his behaviour was "not reasonable and proportionate".

The ITIA confirmed in the report that Hewitt will not be eligible to partake in any tennis-related activities, including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaincy and other associated roles.

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ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse provided further comment on the case.

"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. In this case, that line was clearly crossed, and we had no other option but to take action," she said.

Hewitt has a chance to lodge an appeal.

The news presents an unwanted distraction for Australia heading into their important tie with Belgium, with the winner booking their place in November's Davis Cup Finals in Bologna.

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