Lleyton Hewitt calls match fixing claims an 'absolute farce'

Melbourne: Lleyton Hewitt slammed as "an absolute farce" his name being put on a list of linked with match-fixing claims after bowing out of his final Australian Open yesterday.

The dual Grand Slam champion and former world number one reacted with fury after an online blog linked him to match-fixing allegations that have rocked the sport.

The feisty Australian went on the attack during his post-match press conference, calling the claims "absurd" and a "farce." "I think it's a joke to deal with it. Obviously, there's no possible way. I know my name's now been thrown into it," he told reporters.

"I don't think anyone here would think that I've done anything (like) corruption or match-fixing. It's just absurd," Hewitt said