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.Credit: Janie Barrett
The penalties were announced last week ahead of Australia’s second-round Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium in Sydney, but the Hewitt camp deliberately waited until the tie’s completion to release its response.
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”.
This masthead has contacted Hewitt’s lawyers for clarification on their claim of manipulation.
“The footage appeared to depict [Hewitt] making physical contact with a doping control officer [DCO],” the statement 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, [Hewitt] exited the court alongside Alex de Minaur, walking through a highly congested tunnel area.
