Hewitt says video of incident with anti-doping official was ‘manipulated’

2 hours ago 2

Australia’s Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has alleged that “manipulated” video evidence was used to depict an incident where he shoved a doping official during last year’s semi-finals.

Hewitt’s legal representation, Adelaide-based WRP Legal, issued a statement on the former world No.1’s behalf on Monday night, also restating that Hewitt was still considering appealing his two-week suspension and $30,000 fine.

Lleyton Hewitt fronted the media last week after receiving his two-week ban.

This masthead has contacted Hewitt’s lawyers for clarification on their manipulation claim, and sought comment from the International Tennis Integrity Agency.

An independent tribunal found Hewitt guilty of pushing a 60-year-old anti-doping chaperone following Alex de Minaur’s 6-3, 6-4 loss to Italy’s Jannik Sinner in Australia’s semi-final defeat in Spain last year.

Hewitt’s legal team said in the statement that he was notified in December last year of “an alleged breach of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, following submission of manipulated video evidence to the International Tennis Integrity Agency”.

“The footage appeared to depict [Hewitt] making physical contact with a doping control officer [DCO],” the statement read.

“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, [Hewitt] 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 [Hewitt] or Alex de Minaur, made significant contact with [Hewitt], who was recovering from surgery.

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

The penalties were announced last week ahead of Australia’s second-round Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium in Sydney, but the Hewitt camp waited until the tie’s completion to release their response to avoid further distraction.

The 44-year-old was able to serve as captain for the qualifier, with his ban set to run from September 24 to October 7.

Hewitt will not be allowed to take part “in all tennis-related activities, including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaincy and other associated roles” during the suspension.

Australia suffered a shock 3-2 loss to Belgium, meaning the country will not contest the Davis Cup finals for the first time since 2021.

Hewitt, a dual grand slam champion, only briefly addressed the incident in a media conference before the tie started.

“I’m just really disappointed about the overall decision, but also the whole process to be honest, even the lack of facts that have been put out,” Hewitt said.

“But 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 statement from Hewitt’s lawyers highlighted that the independent tribunal “rejected” many of the ITIA’s claims, accepted Hewitt’s version of events and that his contact to the doping control officer was “at the lower end of the spectrum”.

The ITIA was pushing for a four-week suspension and a bigger fine than Hewitt received.

“[Hewitt] 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,” the statement read.

“[Hewitt] has consistently demonstrated exemplary professionalism and integrity both on and off the court.

“The tribunal expressly acknowledged this, and also [Hewitt]‘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 [Hewitt] 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 [Hewitt]’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and respect within the tennis community and to the traditions of the Davis Cup competition.”

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