It’s been a long way down from the top for Bob Hewitt, who claimed all four Grand Slams in the doubles category and led South Africa to its only ever Davis Cup title in the 70s. His induction into the tennis hall of fame was revoked in 2012 after an investigation into multiple sexual misconduct allegations which were confirmed this year when he was found guilty of rape and sexual assault and consequently sentenced to six years in jail.
A US District Judge has ordered Hewitt to pay $1.2 million to Heather Crowe Conner, who he was accused of repeatedly sexually abusing when he coached her in the 70s. Hewitt is currently confined to his home in South Africa as he faces several other problems which include two rape accusations and he is currently appealing against a six year jail sentence.
Hewitt has been ordered to pay $1 million to Conner for her emotional distress and $200,000 for her past and future mental health but Conner, who was first assaulted by Hewitt at the age of 14 claimed that “the damage and loss he inflicted on me isn’t about the money. There is no amount of money he could give me that would repair, replace, or remove what he did to me all those years”.
Given the fact that South Africa is not a party to the Hague Convention, which is an international compact under which nations abide by certain laws of other countries, Conner will need to ask South African courts to enforce the judgment as she is skeptical about Hewitt paying the fee.
But as she stated herself it’s not about the money but justice and in that sense it seems that time has run out for the once great tennis player Bob Hewitt.