Hewitt is a former Wimbledon champion and World No. 1.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt has been hit with a two week suspension and $30,000 AUD fine, for a heated incident that took place in late 2024. The Australian is the Davis Cup captain for his country, as well as a former World No. 1 on the men’s tour. As a player, Hewitt won 30 singles trophies and also reached the final of his home Slam in Melbourne Park. But now, he will have to face the consequences of certain actions – beginning from the last week of September.
Hewitt also led the Australian team to two Davis Cup triumphs – in 1999 and 2003. Back in 2001, he became the youngest man to stand atop the ATP rankings – at the age of 20. Having turned pro in 1998, Hewitt retired from singles competition in 2016. The now 44-year-old still remains the most recent Australian man to win a Grand Slam championship in singles.
The incident took place in November 2024, during Australia’s Davis Cup battle against Italy. After an intense couple of days, the European giants earned a hard-fought victory over the men from Down Under. In the heat of the moment, Hewitt was found to have pushed a 60-year-old anti-doping chaperone who was volunteering at the time. Hewitt denied the charge, pleading self-defense.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) referred the case to an independent tribunal, which upheld the initial charges of offensive conduct. The tribunal clearly stated that Hewitt’s actions “did not meet the requirements of self defense”, and that his behavior was “not reasonable and proportionate.” The sanction will be in effect from September 25 until October 7, so as to be fair to Hewitt without affecting his Davis Cup preparations.
Along with the suspension that lasts close to a fortnight, Hewitt has also been fined $30,000 AUD (nearly $20,000). Meanwhile, Australia will face Belgium in the Second Round of Davis Cup 2025 Qualifiers on September 12 and 13.
(Image Credits: Geoff Burke, Imagn Images)
