Lleyton Hewitt set to appeal after copping ban and $30,000 fine for 'offensive conduct'

Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt says he will launch an appeal after being handed a two-week ban and $30,000 fine for pushing a volunteer doping control official against a wall last year. Hewitt is allowed to lead the Aussies in this weekend's Davis Cup tie despite being found guilty by an independent tribunal of pushing a 60-year-old anti-doping chaperone after Australia's semi-final defeat against Italy in Malaga last November.

Hewitt denied the charge of "offensive conduct" and said he was acting in self-defence. But an independent tribunal upheld it, saying his behaviour was "not reasonable and proportionate".

The International Tennis Integrity Agency had been pushing for a heavier sanction, asking for a four-week ban and fine of $US25,000 ($A37,500). The Agency asked for Hewitt's "poor disciplinary record, including five prior incidents of offensive conduct toward tennis officials and non compliance with tennis rules" to be taken into account, as well as his conduct during the hearing which it said had been "obstructive and inappropriate".

The tribunal agreed that "there was no apology or check on the wellbeing of the chaperone" and "a lack of remorse from Mr Hewitt". But it rejected the ITIA's primary case that "the push was unprovoked and born out of anger or irritation from the loss against Italy".

Lleyton Hewitt set to appeal suspension

Speaking to media on Thursday, Hewitt said he never gave any consideration to stepping aside for this weekend's tie against Belgium, and flagged that he'll be appealing the sanction. "I'm just really disappointed about the overall decision, but also whole process, to be honest. The lack of facts that have been put out," said the former World No.1. "But I'll be going through the appeal process with my legal team so I won't be talking about it further."

The incident occurred when Hewitt and the anti-doping chaperone made contact in a crowded corridor. Hewitt said he'd been recovering from a medical condition, which prompted him to push the official away, who he didn't know at the time was an official.

The Tribunal found the push was "too strong or forceful and was excessive or disproportionate" and that "there were other options available". It was noted that Hewitt's "distinguished 25-year career is marked by exemplary professionalism and commitment to tennis, and he's expressed genuine regret for the incident and bears no animosity towards the chaperone. At the time he was recovering from a health ailment and ongoing tenderness contributed to his reaction."

The official has stated he will never volunteer at a Davis Cup tie again, with the ITIA saying that would "represent a tangible loss to the anti-doping programme." The tribunal said "it did not consider that historic or unrelated blemishes on an otherwise exemplary career should increase the penalty for this isolated incident."

The tribunal also recommended that one-third of Hewitt's fine ($10,000) should be paid on to the chaperone "in compensation for the stress, discomfort and embarrassment of the incident." 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."

Lleyton Hewitt to lead Australia this weekend

Australia will clash with Belgium this weekend in the second round of Davis Cup qualifiers in Sydney, where Hewitt will be allowed to serve his usual role of captain. The tribunal's chair Michael Heron said they didn't want to be "unduly punitive" on Hewitt by banning him from a Davis Cup tie, and wanted to give him time to potentially appeal.

The suspension will instead start in two weeks' time, lasting from September 24 until October 7. Hewitt won't be allowed to take part "in all tennis-related activities, including coaching, mentoring, playing, captaincy and other associated roles", unless the ban is overturned on appeal.

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Australia's semi-final loss to Italy last year came after they finished runner-up in the two previous editions - to Italy and Canada respectively. World No.8 Alex de Minaur will lead Australia's charge against Belgium this weekend, partnered in singles by World No.40 Alexei Popyrin. Jordan Thompson and Matt Ebden are on doubles duty for Australia, while Belgium will be spearheaded by World No.46 Zizou Bergs.

The Davis Cup finals will be hosted by defending champions Italy in November. The seven other teams that win this weekend's qualifiers will join them as the other finalists.

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