Hewitt Not Happy With Davis Cup Drug Testing

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 3rd February 2014

Hewitt Not Happy With Davis Cup Drug Testing

epa04020209 Lleyton Hewitt of Australia falls during his match against Andreas Seppi of Italy on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 14 January 2014. EPA/MARK DADSWELL AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Lleyton Hewitt has given a serve to anti-doping protocols in Davis Cup after he was delayed two hours after losing a match by anti-doping functionaries at the first round tie in France. Besides going down 5-0 to the hosts, the long-time Australian stalwart was fuming at his treatment at the hands of the paper-shufflers.

After losing the doubles rubber, Hewitt was unexplainably taken for testing instead of officials doing the testing as usual at the end of the tie. Hewitt was not even allowed a shower and called his treatment “mindboggling.” He reportedly gave several samples, all of which displeased testers.

“I’m disappointed at the drug testing and what went on behind the scenes,” the 32-year-old said between gritted teeth. “It kept you guys waiting (media) and us waiting. I’ve only been playing Davis Cup for 17 years. I’ve done a few drug tests in my time but to have to go three or four times and keep going all night is ridiculous. It’s just not on. It should be done tomorrow, after the tie.

“Our two juniors (Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis) had to do drug testing literally before we walked on the court for doubles today and they weren’t allowed to watch the start of the match, which is just a joke. I think the ITF have to have a good hard look at what they’re doing.”

With his humor already stretched, Hewitt was hardly about to deal with a question concerning whether he had played his last Davis Cup tie, refusing to confirm even to captain Patrick Rafter the actual state of his intentions. Australia, back in the Davis World Group for the first time in six years, now face a September playoff to remain among the elite.

Topics: 10sballs, Davis Cup, Drug Testing, Lleyton Hewitt, Nick Kyrgios, Pat Rafter, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News