LONDON – Two-time Grand Slam champion Lyeton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks to promote anti-doping officials.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency said Wednesday that the sanctions will be effective from September 25th to October 7th.
The incident occurred in November after Australian captain Hewitt pushed the 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone after the team went on to the semi-finals against Italy.
Hewitt denied the charges filed after video evidence, witness statements and reviews of interviews – suing self-defense.
The ITIA introduced the case to an independent court that supported accusations of offensive conduct, stating that Hewitt’s actions “did not meet the requirements for self-defense” and that his actions were “rational and unproportional.”
Hewitt, 44, a former No. 1 male tennis player, was also fined about $20,000.
Hewitt is unable to participate in all tennis-related activities during the suspension, including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaining.
Australia will play Belgium in Sydney from September 13-14, and will be on the line for the final eighth innings of the Davis Cup final.
Hewitt, who won the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon the following year, has the right to appeal.
