Lleyton Hewitt to appeal two-week ban, $30,000 fine after altercation with anti-doping volunteer

Lleyton Hewitt plans to appeal after an independent tribunal handed the Australian Davis Cup captain a two-week ban and a $30,000 fine for offensive conduct involving a 60-year-old anti-doping volunteer during an overseas tie in 2024.

The tribunal found Hewitt pushed the chaperone following Australia's semi-final loss to Italy in Malaga and described the contact as excessive and disproportionate. The suspension will begin Sept. 24 and run through Oct. 7, but the tribunal delayed its start so Hewitt can lead Australia in this weekend's second-round Davis Cup qualifying tie against Belgium in Sydney. One-third of the fine was recommended to be paid to the volunteer as compensation for "stress, discomfort and embarrassment."

Hewitt, 44, denied the charge and said he acted in self-defence, but the tribunal rejected that defence, saying his response "was not reasonable and proportionate." The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) had sought a stiffer penalty of a four-week suspension and a $25,000 US fine, citing what it called a pattern of prior incidents and poor disciplinary history. The tribunal noted there was "a lack of remorse" and that Hewitt did not check on the chaperone after the encounter.

The tribunal accepted that the two had made contact in a crowded corridor and that Hewitt had been recovering from a medical condition he said prompted him to push the official away because he did not realise the person was a chaperone. Still, the panel said the force used was "too strong or forceful and was excessive or disproportionate" and that other options were available.

Hewitt told News Corp he had not considered stepping aside for the Belgium tie, and he said he was "really disappointed about the overall decision, but also whole process, to be honest. The lack of facts that have been put out." He added he will be pursuing the appeal with his legal team and would not comment further while that process is under way.

ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse said in a statement that 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." The agency also said the volunteer has since said he will never serve at a tie again, which the ITIA described as a "tangible loss to the anti-doping programme."

The tribunal described Hewitt's distinguished 25-year playing career and noted his strong service to the sport, saying he had expressed regret for the incident and bore no animosity toward the chaperone. It also referenced submissions by the ITIA about Hewitt's disciplinary record, including five prior incidents of offensive conduct toward tennis officials and non-compliance with rules, and said some of his conduct during the hearing had been "obstructive and inappropriate."

The decision leaves Hewitt available to perform his captaincy duties for Australia's Davis Cup qualifying tie in Sydney this weekend, with the short suspension to begin after the series concludes. He faces a period during which he will be barred from "all tennis-related activities, including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaincy and other associated roles" while the suspension is in effect. Hewitt has indicated he will challenge the ruling through the appeals process outlined by the tribunal.