Former world No.1 and captain of the Australian Davis Cup team, Lleyton Hewitt, has been sanctioned for ‘offensive conduct’ displayed during an incident last November.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) confirmed on Wednesday that Hewitt has been issued a two-week suspension and a fine of $30,000 following an investigation conducted by an independent panel. The 44-year-old is said to have ‘pushed’ a 60-year-old anti-doping chaperone following his country’s semi-final defeat to Italy at the Davis Cup Finals on 23 November 2024. The charge was brought on 6 January 2025, before a hearing, and two additional online sessions took place in July, during which witnesses were interviewed.
Hewitt has denied any wrongdoing and argues his actions were done in self-defence. However, a tribunal ruled against this argument by concluding it “did not meet the requirements of self-defence”, and that Hewitt’s behaviour was “not reasonable and proportionate.”
“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,” Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA, said in a statement.
“In this case, that line was clearly crossed, and we had no other option but to take action.”
The incident happened when both Hewitt and the official were in a crowded corridor. In his defence statement, the former player argued that he had been recovering from a medical condition and at the time of the push didn’t realise the person was a chaperone.
“His distinguished 25-year career is marked by exemplary professionalism and commitment to tennis, and he’s expressed genuine regret for the incident and bears no animosity towards the chaperone,” it was argued under the Mitigating Factors submitted by Hewitt.
“At the time he was recovering from a health ailment and ongoing tenderness contributed to his reaction.”
The timing of the announcement comes ahead of Australia’s tie with Belgium this weekend, which Hewitt will be allowed to attend before serving a ban from September 24, 2025, until October 7, 2025. The tribunal chair didn’t want the suspension to be “unduly punitive” and impact his schedule. During this period, he is banned from attending any ITF events.
“In all the circumstances, I consider that the suspension ought to commence on 24 September 2025 and conclude two weeks following that on 7 October 2025,” tribunal chair Michael Heron explained in his report.
“In my view this is a real consequence but not targeted to be punitive in respective of the major events immediately forthcoming. It also enables Mr. Hewitt to appeal and apply for a stay of the suspension pending appeal if he wishes…”
Hewitt, who won the 2001 US Open and 2002 Wimbledon Championships, has yet to comment on the penalties given to him.
