Lleyton Hewitt Suspended for Pushing Incident with Anti-Doping Official

Lleyton Hewitt, a notable figure in the tennis world with two Grand Slam titles to his name, faces a two-week suspension imposed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA). The suspension results from an altercation with a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone, following Australia's loss to Italy in the Davis Cup semifinals last November.

The ITIA announced that the disciplinary action will affect Hewitt from September 25 through October 7, ensuring it doesn't heavily disrupt his participation in upcoming Davis Cup matches. Hewitt contested the charges, citing self-defense as his rationale for the incident.

An independent tribunal, however, rejected his defense, concluding that his conduct was offensive and failed to meet self-defense standards. Consequently, Hewitt, who once topped the world rankings, has been fined approximately $20,000 alongside his suspension.

(With inputs from agencies.)