‘I won’t be making it a distraction’: Lleyton Hewitt to appeal ban as Australian team rocked by Davis Cup changes

Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has confirmed his legal team will appeal a two-week ban and a $30,000 fine after the International Tennis Integrity Agency found him guilty of pushing a 60-year-old anti-doping volunteer. The incident occurred last November during Australia’s Davis Cup loss to Italy, with Hewitt confirming on Thursday afternoon that he intends to appeal and he never considered stepping away from this weekend’s tie against Belgium. The sanction has been suspended until September 24 through to October 7 to ensure the ban didn’t affect the Davis Cup preparations and to give Hewitt enough time to lodge an appeal. “Following an ITIA investigation, Hewitt, 44, was charged on 6 January 2025 with a breach of Article 7.15.1.1 of the TADP (engaging in offensive conduct towards a doping control official), after pushing a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone at the conclusion of Australia’s Davis Cup semi-final defeat to Italy in Malaga, Spain, on 23 November 2024,” a statement read. “Hewitt denied the charge – which was brought by the ITIA following review of video evidence, witness statements, and interviews – citing self-defence. “The case was referred to an independent tribunal, convened by Sport Resolutions, and chaired by Michael Heron KC. “Accommodating Hewitt’s extension requests, travel schedule, desire to cross-examine witnesses and wish to appear in-person before the tribunal, a hearing was convened on 21-22 July 2025 in Sydney, with two additional online sessions, on 2 June 2025 and 15 July 2025, to accommodate witnesses. “On 4 August 2025, the independent tribunal chair Mr Heron ruled that the charge of offensive conduct was upheld, stating that Hewitt’s actions ‘did not meet the requirements of self-defence’, and that his behaviour was ‘not reasonable and proportionate’.” Hewitt didn’t elaborate on the incident in Spain but made it clear he didn’t agree with the findings. “I’m just really disappointed about the overall decision but also the whole process and the lack of facts that have been put out,” the two-time grand slam winner said. “I’ll be going through the appeal process with my legal team right now, so I won’t be talking about it any further. “Right now it’s with my legal team, so we’ll be going through that (process). I won’t be making any more comments.” Hewitt denied suggestions that the looming ban would be a distraction for his players ahead of this weekend’s Davis Cup tie against Belgium, but he said guys like Alex de Minaur would be fired up by the verdict and would want to deliver a win for Australia. Cruz Hewitt looked, and sounded just like his dad Lleyton as he got a win at Wimbledon. “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,” Hewitt said. “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 – 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.” The Aussies have enjoyed a couple of deep runs at the Davis Cup in recent years but will be without key men after Hewitt confirmed he was forced to make several changes to his original team for the event in Sydney. “I’m going to be making three changes tomorrow to our named team,” he revealed. “Alexei Popyrin is out. He’s been injured since the US Open with a back injury, and Matt Ebden has got a small tear in his elbow, so those two will be going out. “We’ll bring in John Peers, Aleksandar Vukic and Rinky Hijikata. I’m really excited 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. “One of the greatest things about my job is giving those guys their opportunity.”