Former champion Bob Hewitt indicted on rape charges in South Africa
Doubles master who played with Arthur Ashe denies charges of rape and sexual assault of girls he coached
Former grand slam doubles champion and one-time Tennis Hall of Famer Bob Hewitt was indicted on Friday on charges of rape and sexual assault of minors and will go on trial in February, his lawyer said.
Lawyer Alwyn Griebenow said Hewitt denies two charges of rape and one of sexual assault of girls he coached in South Africa decades ago.
Hewitt attended Boksburg Magistrate’s Court near Johannesburg and told the court he understood the charges, Griebenow said in a phone interview.
Mr Hewitt is relieved that we at least now have a trial date
Hewitt was not asked to enter a plea.
Griebenow said he would plead not guilty to all three charges at his trial.
“Mr Hewitt is relieved that we at least now have a trial date,” Griebenow said.
He said Hewitt denied having any sexual contact with the alleged victims or making any “sexual advances” toward them. Hewitt was focusing on “putting the record straight” at the trial, Griebenow added.