Lleyton Hewitt, a 44-year-old Australian, has been making headlines for the past few hours. Namely, he was punished with a two-week suspension and a huge fine of 30,000 dollars.
Reason? The experienced tennis player had inappropriate behavior towards the 60-year-old anti-doping volunteer.
In an announcement a few hours ago, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) pointed out that Lleyton Hewitt will be suspended for two weeks.
Australia was defeated in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup by Italy in November last year.
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The tribunal believes that the behavior of the Australian tennis player was not acceptable, and his suspension has been postponed to September 24, which means that he will be able to lead Australia in the duel against Belgium.
Among the many who have condemned his behavior is ITIA director Karen Moorhouse, who points out that anti-doping staff play an important role in preserving the integrity of tennis and must do their job without fear of physical contact.
However, the Australian tennis player crossed that line, and now he will bear the consequences of his actions.
As a tennis player who left a big mark on the tennis scene, this kind of behavior will surely be condemned by many, and it is still unknown what Hewitt's reaction to this is.
It is certain that he is frustrated by this decision, but it will be necessary for him to accept the final outcome.
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Message for others
This is also a message for others, should they decide to do a similar act, that they will bear the consequences. Tennis organizations have always been stable and strived for the progress of this sport and the preservation of its integrity.
However, year after year we witness various scandals and excesses to which leading tennis organizations must react and raise their voice.
Their ambitions are for tennis to go in the right direction and for it to be a sport that will be based on tradition, but also on innovation, as well as on respect for everyone.
