Australian Davis Cup team captain Lleyton Hewitt slammed the International Tennis Integrity Agency's decision in his case by stating that it "lacked facts," and confirmed that his lawyers were in the process of appealing.
In case you missed it, the ITIA found Hewitt guilty of "offensive conduct" and shoving a 60-year-old volunteer during last November's Davis Cup Finals. The Australian tennis legend received a two-week ban from the competition and was also slapped with a $30k fine. However, the former world No. 1's suspension starts on September 24th, so he will be allowed to coach Australia during this weekend's tie against Belgium.
Throughout the entire process, the 44-year-old maintained his innocence and insisted that he acted in self-defense.
ADVERTISEMENT
Im just really disappointed about the overall decision but also the whole process and the lack of facts that have been put out. Ill be going through the appeal process with my legal team right now, so I wont be talking about it any further. Right now its with my legal team, so well be going through that (process). I wont be making any more comments," Hewitt said, via the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
Hewitt does not want to 'make distractions'
After a couple of months, the Davis Cup returns this weekend. And while the Australian captain isn't happy with the verdict of his case, he claims he doesn't want to put too much focus on his situation.
Unlike the ITIA and the ITF (International Tennis Federation), I wont be making it a distraction for the Davis Cup. This competition means too much, Hewitt said.
ADVERTISEMENT
The former two-time Grand Slam champion also added that he believes his case will only motivate his players to do well.
I think deep down itll make the boys even stronger to go out to get the job done," the 44-year-old added.
As a player, Hewitt won the Davis Cup in 1999 and 2003. He has been serving as his nation's captain since 2016.
