Lleyton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks and fined $30,000 after an independent tribunal found he pushed an anti‑doping chaperone during a 2024 incident, a decision that has reportedly left his wife, television personality Bec Hewitt, "at her wits' end."
The tribunal also found Hewitt's behaviour was "not reasonable and proportionate," and imposed a ban that will bar him from all tennis‑related activities, including coaching, mentoring, playing and captaincy, from Sept. 24 until Oct. 7. Hewitt has denied the allegation, citing self‑defence, and said he will appeal the tribunal's decision.
A source quoted by Woman's Day told the publication that Bec Hewitt is distressed by the latest development and concerned about the impact on the family and on Lleyton Hewitt's role with the Australian Davis Cup team. News outlets have contacted Bec Hewitt for comment.
The Independent Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) had sought a stiffer sanction, asking for a four‑week suspension and a US$25,000 (AU$37,500) fine. In its submissions the agency said the tribunal should take into account what it described as a "poor disciplinary record," including five prior incidents of offensive conduct toward tennis officials and non‑compliance with tennis rules, and criticised Hewitt's conduct during the hearing as "obstructive and inappropriate."
ITIA chief executive Karen Moorhouse released a statement stressing the importance of protecting anti‑doping personnel, saying, "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 tribunal rejected the ITIA's primary contention that the push was unprovoked or the result of frustration after a loss to Italy, but nonetheless concluded Hewitt's response was excessive and merited disciplinary measures. The panel also allowed a two‑week delay before the suspension takes effect to give Hewitt time to lodge an appeal against the verdict, should he choose to do so.
Hewitt, a former world No. 1 and the captain of Australia's Davis Cup team, led the side in a second‑round qualifying tie against Belgium in Sydney despite the 2024 allegation. He told News Corp he was "really disappointed about the overall decision, but also [the] whole process," and that he would pursue the appeal with his legal team.
The case has renewed scrutiny of conduct by former players now serving in coaching and leadership roles. The tribunal's finding underscores the tribunal's view that physical contact with anti‑doping staff is a serious breach given their role in maintaining sport integrity.
Tennis Australia has not announced any immediate review of Hewitt's position. The ITIA said the measures were necessary to protect personnel and the integrity of the testing process. The outcome leaves open questions about the immediate availability of Hewitt for captaincy duties in the coming weeks, while the appeal process proceeds.