Lleyton Hewitt Says It’s An ‘Absolute Farce’ That He’s Linked To Match Fixing

As  a potential match fixing scandal continues to hang over the Australian Open, another star has spoken about his links to the story. On Thursday, Lleyton Hewitt, who lost to David Ferrer in what will be his final Open, denied his involvement in any wrong doing.

“I think it’s a joke to deal with it. You know, obviously, yeah, there’s no possible way,” said Hewitt, after his second round defeat. “I know my name’s now been thrown into it. I don’t think anyone here would think that I’ve done anything (like) corruption or match-fixing. It’s just absurd.

“For anyone that tries to go any further with it, then good luck. Take me on with it. Yeah, it’s disappointing. I think throwing my name out there with it makes the whole thing an absolute farce.”

The Australian comes after nearly two decades on the tour. In 2000, he became the youngest male (age 20) to ever be ranked number one in singles. Hewitt also won two majors, 2002 Wimbledon and the 2001 US Open in addition to contesting 20 straight Australian Opens.

Photo: Lleyton Hewitt on court during Wimbledon, 2004 by daramot, via Wikimedia Commons