LONDON, September 10, 2025 (ITIA Press Release)
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) can today confirm that Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks following an independent tribunal ruling under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP). Hewitt was also fined AU$30,000.
Following an ITIA investigation, Hewitt, 44, was charged on 6 January 2025 with a breach of Article 7.15.1.1 of the TADP (engaging in offensive conduct towards a doping control official), after pushing a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone at the conclusion of Australia’s Davis Cup semi-final defeat to Italy in Malaga, Spain, on 23 November 2024.
Hewitt denied the charge – which was brought by the ITIA following review of video evidence, witness statements, and interviews – citing self-defence. The case was referred to an independent tribunal, convened by Sport Resolutions, and chaired by Michael Heron KC.
Accommodating Hewitt’s extension requests, travel schedule, desire to cross-examine witnesses and wish to appear in-person before the tribunal, a hearing was convened on 21-22 July 2025 in Sydney, with two additional online sessions, on 2 June 2025 and 15 July 2025, to accommodate witnesses.
On 4 August 2025, the independent tribunal chair Mr Heron KC ruled that the charge of offensive conduct was upheld, stating that Hewitt’s actions “did not meet the requirements of self-defence”, and that his behaviour was “not reasonable and proportionate.”
Following both parties’ submissions on appropriate sanction, Mr Heron KC issued Hewitt a two-week suspension. At the chair’s discretion*, the sanction was suspended to be effective from 24 September 2025 until 7 October 2025, 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 enters into effect. To date, no appeal has been lodged.
During the suspension, Hewitt is unable to take part in all tennis-related activities including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaincy and other associated roles.
Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA, commented: “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.”
To read the decision on liability, click here.
To read the decision on sanction, click here.
*Paragraph 58 of the written decision reads: “In the view of the independent tribunal, the suspension should be meaningful, reflecting the principle underpinning many sporting disciplinary frameworks. At the same time, it should not be structured in a way that is unduly punitive. Mr Hewitt, through his counsel, advised that his role is as the Australian Davis Cup Captain, although he also appears to hold a mentor or advisory position…”
**Paragraph 60 of the written decision reads: “In all the circumstances, I consider that the suspension ought to commence on 24 September 2025 and conclude two weeks following that on 7 October 2025. In my view this is a real consequence but not targeted to be punitive in respective of the major events immediately forthcoming. It also enables Mr. Hewitt to appeal and apply for a stay of the suspension pending appeal if he wishes…”
