Bob Hewitt, Australian-South African tennis player; convicted rapist
Robert Anthony John Hewitt, born on January 12, 1940, is a former professional tennis player who originally hailed from Australia. He rose to prominence on the global tennis circuit, particularly excelling in doubles disciplines during both the amateur and nascent Open Eras of the sport.
In 1967, a significant personal development saw Hewitt adopt South African citizenship, a decision that followed his marriage to Delaille Vorster, a South African national. This change in nationality marked a distinct chapter in his career, though he continued to compete with distinction on the international stage.
Illustrious Tennis Career: A Doubles Specialist
Hewitt's professional career was notably distinguished by his exceptional success in doubles categories. He accumulated an impressive total of 15 major titles across men's and mixed doubles events at the four Grand Slams, showcasing remarkable prowess, versatility, and consistency over an extended period.
- Men's Doubles: Robert Hewitt secured nine Grand Slam men's doubles titles, demonstrating his dominance alongside various partners. His triumphs include victories at the Australian Open (1967, 1977), French Open (1972), Wimbledon (1967, 1969, 1971, 1972), and US Open (1972, 1977). His ability to perform consistently across different surfaces and major tournaments solidified his reputation as one of the era's leading doubles players.
- Mixed Doubles: He also clinched six Grand Slam mixed doubles titles, achieving success at the Australian Open (1970), French Open (1970, 1979), Wimbledon (1971, 1979), and US Open (1972).
A testament to his comprehensive skill set and enduring presence in top-tier tennis, Robert Hewitt achieved the rare distinction of a "Career Grand Slam" in both men's and mixed doubles. This prestigious accomplishment signifies that he won every one of the four major tennis tournaments – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open – at least once in each of those specific doubles categories, a feat few players in the history of the sport have managed.
Conviction and Expulsion from the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Despite his significant athletic achievements and a decorated career, Robert Hewitt's legacy was irrevocably tarnished by severe legal issues. In March 2015, a South African court delivered a verdict that found him guilty on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The victims in these horrific crimes were young girls whom he had been coaching during the 1980s and 1990s, and who were minors at the time the offenses were committed. The conviction sent shockwaves through the international sports community and beyond.
Following his conviction, Hewitt was sentenced to an effective six years in jail. The gravity of these crimes and the judicial outcome led to swift and decisive action from the custodians of tennis history and ethics. Robert Hewitt, who had been honored with induction into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1992 for his outstanding contributions to the sport, was subsequently and permanently expelled from the institution in 2016. This unprecedented expulsion underscored the Hall of Fame's unequivocal stance against such severe misconduct, reinforcing that recognition of athletic prowess must align with fundamental ethical standards and public trust.
Frequently Asked Questions about Robert Hewitt
- When was Robert Hewitt born?
- Robert Anthony John Hewitt was born on January 12, 1940.
- What was Robert Hewitt's original nationality?
- He was originally from Australia but became a South African citizen in 1967 after marrying a South African national.
- How many major tennis titles did Robert Hewitt win?
- Robert Hewitt won a total of 15 major Grand Slam titles: 9 in men's doubles and 6 in mixed doubles.
- What is a "Career Grand Slam" in tennis doubles?
- A Career Grand Slam in doubles signifies that a player has won all four major tennis tournaments – the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open – at least once in either men's doubles, mixed doubles, or both categories, as was the case for Hewitt.
- Why was Robert Hewitt expelled from the International Tennis Hall of Fame?
- He was permanently expelled from the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016 following his 2015 conviction in South Africa for the rape and sexual assault of minors whom he had coached.