“The incident in query occurred instantly following the second match of the 2024 Davis Cup tie between Australia and Italy. In his capability as group captain of the Australian group, [Hewitt] exited the courtroom alongside Alex de Minaur, strolling by a extremely congested tunnel space.
“During this time, a DCO, who by no means made himself identified to both [Hewitt] or Alex de Minaur, made vital contact with [Hewitt], who was recovering from surgical procedure.
“As the DCO tried to re-approach Alex de Minaur in haste, [Hewitt], perceiving the specter of one other imminent collision, reacted by fending the DCO away. Importantly, [Hewitt] didn’t know who the DCO was or why he was within the tunnel.”
The penalties have been introduced final week forward of Australia’s second-round Davis Cup qualifier in opposition to Belgium in Sydney, however the Hewitt camp waited till the tie’s completion to launch their response to keep away from additional distraction.
The 44-year-old was capable of function captain for the qualifier, along with his ban set to run from September 24 to October 7.
Hewitt is not going to be allowed to participate “in all tennis-related actions, together with teaching, mentoring, enjoying, captaincy and different related roles” through the suspension.
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Australia suffered a shock 3-2 loss to Belgium, which means the nation is not going to contest the Davis Cup finals for the primary time since 2021.
Hewitt, a twin grand slam champion, solely briefly addressed the incident in a media convention earlier than the tie began.
“I’m simply actually dissatisfied concerning the total choice, but in addition the entire course of to be sincere, even the shortage of details which have been put out,” Hewitt stated.
“But I’ll be going by the enchantment course of with my authorized group proper now, so I gained’t be speaking about it any additional.”
The assertion from Hewitt’s attorneys highlighted that the unbiased tribunal “rejected” lots of the ITIA’s claims, accepted Hewitt’s model of occasions and that his contact to the doping management officer was “on the decrease finish of the spectrum”.
The ITIA was pushing for a four-week suspension and an even bigger high quality than Hewitt obtained.
“[Hewitt] has devoted his life to the game and each the tennis and wider group, as evidenced by his ongoing involvement in Davis Cup tennis effectively past his retirement as a participant,” the assertion learn.
“[Hewitt] has constantly demonstrated exemplary professionalism and integrity each on and off the courtroom.
“The tribunal expressly acknowledged this, and likewise [Hewitt]‘s credibility all through the proceedings. The ITIA’s unfair characterisation of him was rejected.
“It is with aid that these proceedings have now concluded. Whilst [Hewitt] and his authorized group are contemplating an enchantment of the choice, his main concern stays the integrity of the game and the honest remedy of all contributors.
“We reiterate [Hewitt]’s dedication to upholding the very best requirements of professionalism and respect inside the tennis group and to the traditions of the Davis Cup competitors.”
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