'I'm just really disappointed': Lleyton Hewitt vows to appeal two week ban due to 'lack of facts'

Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has confirmed he will appeal a two-week suspension and $30,000 fine after being found guilty of pushing a 60-year-old anti-doping volunteer during last year’s Davis Cup. The ban stems from an incident on 23 November 2024, when Australia lost to Italy in the Davis Cup semi-final in Malaga, Spain.

Hewitt was accused of pushing a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone after the match, behaviour that was deemed to constitute "offensive conduct towards a doping control official" under Article 7.15.1.1 of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP), as enforced by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).

The penalty, announced earlier this month, has been suspended until 24 September and will run through to 7 October. That delay ensures Australia’s Davis Cup preparations against Belgium this weekend are not disrupted and gives Hewitt time to mount an appeal.

"I’m just really disappointed about the overall decision but also the whole process and the lack of facts that have been put out," Hewitt said on Thursday. "I’ll be going through the appeal process with my legal team right now, so I won’t be talking about it any further.".

The ITIA charged Hewitt, 44, on 6 January 2025 after reviewing video evidence, witness statements and interviews. Hewitt denied the allegation, citing self-defence, and the case was referred to an independent tribunal. That tribunal, convened by Sport Resolutions and chaired by King’s Counsel Michael Heron, accommodated Hewitt’s requests for extensions, his desire to cross-examine witnesses, and his wish to appear in person.

Hearings were held in Sydney on 21–22 July 2025, with online sessions on 2 June and 15 July, allowing witnesses to testify remotely. On 4 August, the tribunal delivered its verdict, ruling that the charge of offensive conduct was upheld. Heron concluded that Hewitt’s actions "did not meet the requirements of self-defence" and that his behaviour was "not reasonable and proportionate.".

Hewitt's reaction to the court decision

Despite the ruling, Hewitt has consistently rejected the findings and vowed to fight on. He made clear his frustration with the process and the way the case has been presented to the public. "Right now it’s with my legal team, so we’ll be going through that process. I won’t be making any more comments," he said.

While the ITIA has insisted its decision was based on rigorous evaluation of the evidence, Hewitt has suggested that crucial context has been overlooked. For him, the appeal is not just about overturning a suspension, but about challenging what he views as an incomplete narrative surrounding the incident in Spain.

For now, however, Hewitt insists his energy is devoted to the Davis Cup. He dismissed suggestions the looming ban might distract his players, arguing instead that it could even strengthen their resolve. "Unlike the ITIA and the ITF (International Tennis Federation), I won’t be making it a distraction for the Davis Cup. This competition means too much," he said.

Elaborating on the upcoming Davis Cup tie, Hewitt stated, "For us to get the opportunity to come back here 3½ years later on home soil with so many young kids who have the opportunity to see their role models – especially Alex [de Minaur] – up close is awesome. There are too many great stories and positives to take away from this weekend and what we’re trying to do. I think deep down it’ll make the boys even stronger to go out to get the job done."

Australia’s squad has been forced into late reshuffles ahead of the Belgium tie. Hewitt confirmed that Alexei Popyrin, who has been sidelined with a back injury since the US Open, and veteran doubles specialist Matt Ebden, who is carrying a small tear in his elbow, have both withdrawn. In their places, Hewitt has brought in John Peers, Aleksandar Vukic and Rinky Hijikata.

The captain said he was particularly excited about handing Hijikata his Davis Cup debut. "I’m really happy for Rinky because it’s going to be his first time wearing the green and gold, and for him to get an opportunity at a place where he grew up playing in Sydney is special," Hewitt said. "One of the greatest things about my job is giving those guys their opportunity.".