(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Lleyton Hewitt Suspended Two Weeks for Pushing Anti-Doping Official
September 11, 2025: Former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt has been handed a two-week suspension by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) following an incident involving an anti-doping chaperone.
The suspension will run from September 25 to October 7, 2025, with the ITIA noting that the timing was set to avoid being “unduly punitive” by affecting Hewitt’s Davis Cup schedule.
Details of the Incident
The case stems from an altercation in November 2024, when Hewitt, who now serves as Australia’s Davis Cup captain, pushed a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping official after Australia’s semifinal defeat to Italy.
Although Hewitt denied the charge and claimed self-defense, an independent tribunal reviewed video evidence, witness statements, and interviews before ruling against him.
The panel concluded that Hewitt’s actions “did not meet the requirements of self-defense” and were “not reasonable and proportionate.”
Suspension and Fine
Along with the two-week ban, the 44-year-old Hewitt has been fined approximately $20,000. The suspension prohibits him from all tennis-related activities, including coaching, mentoring, captaincy duties, and playing in any official capacity.
Upcoming Davis Cup Clash
Australia is scheduled to face Belgium on September 13-14 in Sydney, with a spot in the last eight of the Davis Cup Finals at stake. Hewitt will be available for this tie, as his suspension begins later in the month.
Hewitt’s Legacy and Appeal Rights
Hewitt, a US Open 2001 and Wimbledon 2002 champion, remains one of Australia’s most celebrated tennis players. He retains the right to appeal the decision.
