By Todd Balym

Copyright news

In an explosive statement issued late on Monday, Hewitt’s legal team at WRP Legal, claimed an investigation into the alleged pushing of a 60-year-old DCO at the Davis Cup in December 2024 had effectively accepted Hewitt’s explanations into how the drama unfolded and why he was offered a lower two-week suspension than the four-week ban sought by the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

Hewitt claimed the DCO made initial contact with him in a congested tunnel area after a match involving Alex de Minaur, had not identified himself as being a DCO and actually did not want to pursue the complaint against Australia’s Davis Cup coach.

The detailed ruling from the ITIA confirms the video of the alleged incident is 42 seconds long and was filmed “from the other side of the stadium” by the wife of the DCO involved in the altercation with Hewitt.

There were at least “17 individuals present in and around the tunnel area” when the altercation took place.

“In December 2024, Lleyton Hewitt AM (LH) was notified of an alleged breach of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) following submission of manipulated video evidence to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The footage appeared to depict LH making physical contact with a Doping Control Officer (DCO),” the legal statement from Hewitt’s representatives said.

“The incident in question occurred immediately following the second match of the 2024 Davis Cup tie between Australia and Italy.

“In his capacity as Team Captain of the Australian team, LH exited the court alongside Alex de Minaur, walking through a highly congested tunnel area. During this time, a DCO, who never made himself known to either LH or Alex de Minaur, made significant contact with LH who was recovering from surgery.

“As the DCO attempted to re-approach Alex de Minaur in haste, LH, perceiving the threat of another imminent collision, reacted by fending the DCO away. Importantly, LH did not know who the DCO was or why he was in the tunnel.

“The Tribunal (which consisted of one solicitor based in New Zealand), accepted LH’s account of the incident as the truth and found that the contact with the official was at the lower end of the spectrum for contact with officials.

“The Tribunal rejected many of the claims made by the ITIA including the allegation that the push was unprovoked or motivated by anger or irritation.

“Specifically, the Tribunal found that there were mitigating features in this case which the ITIA failed to point out in their press release. The Tribunal determined that:

a. Mr Hewitt was unaware that the person was a Doping Control official.

b. The conduct occurred in response to preceding contact.

c. The DCO was not injured and continued his duties immediately.

d. The DCO did not want to pursue the complaint.

e. The incident was not accompanied by threatening or abusive language.

“The Tribunal also found that this was not an anti-doping rule violation even though it was being pursued by the ITIA via the TADP.

“The Tribunal rejected the ITIA’s claim to impose a four-week suspension and fine, and instead decided that a two week suspension and a much lower fine was appropriate. The suspension will run from 24 September to 7 October.

“LH has dedicated his life to the sport and both the tennis and wider community, as evidenced by his ongoing involvement in Davis Cup tennis well beyond his retirement as a player. LH has consistently demonstrated exemplary professionalism and integrity both on and off the court.

“The Tribunal expressly acknowledged this and also LH’s credibility throughout the proceedings. The ITIA’s unfair characterisation of him was rejected.

“It is with relief that these proceedings have now concluded. Whilst LH and his legal team are considering an appeal of the decision, his primary concern remains the integrity of the sport and the fair treatment of all participants.

“We reiterate LH’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and respect within the tennis community and to the traditions of the Davis Cup competition.”

The detailed ruling of the case confirms the DCO “as reluctant to be involved in the hearing” although he did claim “Hewitt pushed me violently to the right without even asking what was my purpose”.

In their statement issuing the ban last week, Karen Moorhouse, CEO of the ITIA, said: “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.”