Australia Davis Cup captain Hewitt to appeal ban, hits out at timing
Posted on: Sep 11, 2025 12:00 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Unrepentant aussie stuart davis transfuse chieftain Lleyton Hewitt vowed th to appeal against a two-week suspension for shoving a doping control official, hitting out at the timing of the decision.
The former world number one was slapped with the sanction and a Aus$30,000 fine on Wednesday following an independent tribunal ruling under the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme.
He was charged in January after pushing a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone following Australia's Davis Cup semi-final defeat to Italy in Spain two months previously, the International Tennis Integrity Agency said.
The two-time Grand Slam winner denied the charge, citing self-defence.
The case was referred to an independent tribunal and, following a hearing in Sydney in July, chairman Michael Heron upheld the charge of offensive conduct.
But the suspension will only take effect from September 24, meaning he is free to captain Australia in their second-round qualifier against Belgium in Sydney this weekend.
"I'm just really disappointed about the overall decision but also the whole process to be honest, and the lack of facts that have been put out," Hewitt said at Ken Rosewall Arena.
"I'll be going to the appeal process with my legal team, so I won't be talking about it any further."
Asked if he considered stepping down this weekend in light of the ban, the 44-year-old replied: "No."
"Unlike the ITIA and the ITF , I won't be making it a distraction for the Davis Cup," he added. "This competition means too much.
"I think deep down it will make the boys even stronger to go out there and get the job done."
During his suspension, Hewitt will be unable to take part in all tennis-related activities including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaincy and other associated roles.
Australia are 28-time Davis Cup champions, second only to the United States, but have not lifted the trophy since 2003.
They lost in the semi-finals last year to Jannik Sinner's Italy, having been runners-up in the two editions before that to Italy and Canada respectively.
They will be spearheaded this weekend by world number eight Alex de Minaur, but 40th-ranked Alexei Popyrin and doubles veteran Matt Ebden were both ruled out on Thursday.
Their absence means Aleksandar Vukic and John Peers return to the team, with Hewitt handing a debut to Wimbledon 2025 doubles finalist Rinky Hijikata.
Belgium are spearheaded by world number 46 Zizou Bergs.
mp/dh
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.