Sept 10 – Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt received a two-week suspension and a A$30,000 fine for pushing a doping control official, according to the International Tennis Integrity Agency on Wednesday.

Hewitt was charged in January for offensive conduct towards a doping control official after an incident involving a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone last November, following their semi-final loss to Italy.

Despite denying the charge and claiming self-defence, an independent tribunal found Hewitt’s actions “not reasonable and proportionate” and did not meet self-defence criteria.

“Anti-doping personnel play a fundamental role in maintaining the integrity of tennis and should work free from fear of physical contact,” stated ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse. “This action was necessary due to a clear infraction.”

Hewitt’s suspension, effective from September 24 to October 7, restricts him from participating in any tennis-related activities.

With Australia hosting Belgium in Sydney for the second round of qualifiers from September 13-14, tribunal chair Michael Heron indicated minimal impact on Hewitt’s Davis Cup schedule was intentional.

Hewitt, a former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion, may consider appealing the decision, though no appeal has been lodged at this time by the ITIA.

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