Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has been handed a two-week suspension and fined AU$30,000 by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The sanction follows an independent tribunal ruling under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), concluding that Hewitt engaged in offensive conduct toward a doping control official.
Incident in Malaga sparks investigation
The charge stems from an altercation that occurred on 23 November 2024, after Australia’s Davis Cup semi-final loss to Italy in Malaga, Spain. Hewitt, aged 44, was accused of pushing a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone. The ITIA launched an investigation and formally charged Hewitt on 6 January 2025 with a breach of Article 7.15.1.1 of the TADP.
Tribunal process and Hewitt’s defence
Hewitt denied the charge, claiming self-defence. The case was referred to an independent tribunal chaired by Michael Heron KC and convened by Sport Resolutions. The tribunal considered video footage, witness statements, and interviews. Hearings were held in Sydney on 21–22 July 2025, with additional online sessions on 2 June and 15 July to accommodate witness availability.
Verdict and sanction details
On 4 August 2025, the tribunal ruled that Hewitt’s conduct did not meet the criteria for self-defence and was deemed unreasonable and disproportionate. Following submissions from both parties, Mr Heron issued a two-week suspension, effective from 24 September to 7 October 2025. The timing was chosen to avoid disrupting Hewitt’s Davis Cup commitments and to allow time for a potential appeal, which has not yet been lodged.
Impact on Hewitt’s professional activities
During the suspension period, Hewitt is barred from participating in any tennis-related activities, including coaching, mentoring, playing, and his role as Davis Cup captain. The decision marks a significant moment in Hewitt’s post-playing career, highlighting the importance of professional conduct in all aspects of the sport.
ITIA’s stance on integrity and conduct
Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA, emphasized the importance of protecting anti-doping personnel: “They 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.”
The ITIA continues its mission to safeguard the integrity of professional tennis through independent oversight and enforcement of its regulations.