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The International Tennis Integrity Agency has confirmed that Lleyton Hewitt has been fined following an incident that took place at last year's Davis Cup Finals. The two-time Grand Slam champion is the captain of the Australian team, and he is said to have "pushed a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone" following Australia's semi-final defeat to Italy last year.

Hewitt denied the charge, citing self-defence. But an independent tribunal found that the 44-year-old's actions "did not meet the requirements of self-defence". He has now been fined £15k (AUD$30k) and received a two-week suspension, which has been suspended to allow him to continue his captaincy duties, and will become effective on September 24.

The ITIA said Hewitt was charged with "engaging in offensive conduct towards a doping control officer" on January 6, 2025, following an investigation. The charge was brought by the ITIA following review of video evidence, witness statements and interviews.

It related to an incident that took place on November 23, 2024, after the Australian Davis Cup team was knocked out in the semi-finals in Malaga, Spain, when Hewitt was accused of "pushing" an anti-doping chaperone.

After Hewitt denied the charge, the case was referred to an independent tribunal convened by Sport Resolutions, and chaired by Michael Heron KC.

The hearing took place on July 21 to 22 in Sydney, following Hewitt's extension requests, travel schedule, desire to cross-examine witnesses and wish to appear in-person before the tribunal. To accommodate witnesses, there were two additional online sessions on June 2 and July 15.

On August 4, Mr Heron ruled that the charge was upheld. He stated that Hewitt's actions "did not meet the requirements of self-defence", and that his behaviour was "not reasonable and proportionate."

Hewitt was issued a two-week suspension. However, at the chair's discretion, this was suspended to be effective from September 24 to October 7. The Australian Davis Cup team is due to face Belgium in a qualifier tie this week.

The decision to postpone his suspension was made so as not to be "unduly punitive" on Hewitt by impacting his Davis Cup schedule, and to provide the opportunity for an appeal to be lodged before the sanction comes into effect. To date, Hewitt has not appealed.

When his two-week suspension comes into effect, the former world No. 1 cannot take part in any tennis-related activities, including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaincy and other associated roles.

In the wake of the ruling, ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said: "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."

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