LONDON: Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt has been suspended for two weeks for pushing an anti-doping official.
The International Tennis Integrity Agency said Wednesday that the sanction will be in effect from Sept. 25 until Oct. 7, so as not to be “unduly punitive” on Hewitt by impacting his Davis Cup schedule.
The incident occurred last November after Hewitt, Australia’s captain, pushed a 60-year-old volunteer anti-doping chaperone after his team’s semifinal loss to Italy.
Hewitt denied the charge, pleading self-defense.
The ITIA referred the case to an independent tribunal which upheld the charge of offensive conduct, stating that Hewitt’s actions “did not meet the requirements of self-defense” and that his behavior was “not reasonable and proportionate.”
The 44-year-old Hewitt, a former No. 1-ranked men’s tennis player, has also been fined around $20,000.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt suspended for 2 weeks for pushing anti-doping official
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Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt suspended for 2 weeks for pushing anti-doping official
- Hewitt denied the charge, pleading self-defense
- The ITIA referred the case to an independent tribunal which upheld the charge of offensive conduct
Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal
RIYADH: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad, the Riyadh club announced early Tuesday.
The former French international was introduced with a post on social media, “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.
Though this chapter comes to an end “respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman said.
“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day,” Benzema wrote on social media.
“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.
This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.
— with input from Reuters
