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Hewitt threatens to sue ATP
World No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is threatening to sue the ATP, which runs the men's tennis tour, over his fine for failing to show for a US TV interview in Cincinnati
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: February 25, 2007 08:48 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Sydney:
World No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is threatening to sue the ATP, which runs the men's tennis tour, over his fine for failing to show for a US TV interview in Cincinnati last August. News Ltd. newspapers in Australia reported today that unless a dispute between Hewitt and the ATP was resolved, the Wimbledon champion would take action in the South Australia Supreme Court seeking 2.5 million Australian dollars (US$1.5 million) in damages for defamation and legal costs. Hewitt was fined US$106,000 by the ATP for allegedly failing to fulfill his commitments in an interview for US network ESPN on August 6. The fine was reduced to US$20,000 on appeal on January 14 and Hewitt maintains that he'd been prepared to do the interview. The ATP said it had been notified by Hewitt's lawyers of the intended lawsuit. "We can confirm that we have received a letter from attorneys for Lleyton Hewitt saying that he intends to take legal action against the ATP in Australia," an ATP spokesperson said. "The findings of the appeals panel and the subsequent fine amount are consistent with similar violations. It would be unfortunate if this matter were pursued in the courts, needlessly prolonging a situation that should otherwise be concluded." The 22-year-old Hewitt reportedly claimed the ATP had unlawfully withheld half his prizemoney at Cincinnati, where he lost the final to Carlos Moya; had defamed him in media statements; and had "intentionally and without justification" interfered in his business affairs. Hewitt told the newspapers he could not comment on the court action. His father, Glynn Hewitt, told Melbourne's Herald Sun that "it should be understood that the issue is, and always has been, about clearing Lleyton's name." (AP)Topics mentioned in this article
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