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Bob HewittAustralian and South African tennis player and tennis coach
Date of Birth: 12.01.1940
Country:  South Africa |
Content:
Biography of Bob Hewitt
Early Life and Tennis CareerBob Hewitt, an Australian and South African tennis player and coach, was once known as a multiple winner of international level doubles competitions. He achieved great success in the sport, particularly in doubles events, winning all the Grand Slam tournaments in both men's and mixed doubles. Hewitt also played a crucial role in helping South Africa win its only Davis Cup in 1974.
In 1961, Hewitt won his first major title at the Australian Championships in mixed doubles, partnering with Jan Lehane O'Neill. Later that year, he reached the final of the Wimbledon Championships in men's doubles, playing with Fred Stolle, but they were defeated by Roy Emerson and Neale Fraser. Despite this loss, it became clear that Hewitt was a formidable force in international tennis.
Throughout his career, Hewitt won a total of 65 doubles tournaments, while also achieving success in singles competitions with seven victories. His prize money earnings exceeded one million dollars. In 1967, he was ranked as the sixth-best tennis player in the world by Lance Tingay of the 'Daily Telegraph'.
Controversy and Legal Troubles
In 1992, Hewitt was honored with a place in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. However, in November 2012, his membership was revoked following allegations of sexual misconduct towards his underage female students. An investigation conducted by the 'Boston Globe' revealed a history of inappropriate behavior by Hewitt as a coach and teacher, dating back to 2011.
The investigation, which lasted six months, relied heavily on testimony from a former student who claimed that Hewitt had engaged in inappropriate conduct with her when she was just ten years old in the 1970s. Interviews with Hewitt's contemporaries in the United States and South Africa did not shed much light on the matter, as there were no rumors or indications of misconduct during that time. While the South African Tennis Union had conducted some investigations after 1992, no charges were brought against Hewitt at that time.
In response to the allegations, the International Tennis Hall of Fame formed a special committee to review the accusations and consider the demands for Hewitt's removal from the Hall. One such demand was made by the alleged victim herself. In November 2011, Mary Carillo conducted an investigation as part of the HBO program 'Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,' interviewing the first accuser and several others. Hewitt declined to give an interview for the program.
The final verdict from the International Tennis Hall of Fame came on November 15, 2012, after several months of investigation. Hewitt was officially removed from the Hall, and his name was taken down from all materials associated with the project. The legal troubles for Hewitt continued in June 2014 when he was formally charged with sexual offenses. In 2015, he will face trial for these serious accusations.
