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Fuming Hewitt addresses ban and $30k fine
Christian Montegan • September 11th, 2025 4:39 pm
Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt will appeal a two week suspension 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.
He has also been dealt a A$30,220 fine.
“I’m just really disappointed about the overall decision but also the whole process to be honest, and the lack of facts that have been put out,” he said. “I’ll be going to the appeal process with my legal team, so I won’t be talking about it any further.
“Right now, it’s with my legal team, so they’ll be going through that, and I won’t be making any more comments.
“Unlike the ITIA (International Tennis Integrity Agency) and the ITFO, I won’t be making it a distraction for the Davis Cup.
“This competition means too much.
“For us, the chance to come back after three years away and play on home soil in Australia, there are so many kids here who will get the opportunity to see their role models up close – especially Alex (de Minaur) – a top 10 player, playing on his favourite court here in front of his crowd.
“There’s too many great stories and positives to take away from this weekend and what we’re trying to do.
“I think deep down it will make the boys even stronger to go out there and get the job done.”
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.
"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.
