The Rhode Island-based International Tennis Hall of Fame has hired a Boston attorney to investigate allegations that 1992 inductee Bob Hewitt sexually abused girls he coached.

Hall chief executive Mark Stenning said on Tuesday that attorney Michael Connolly was interviewing accusers and will help the Hall determine whether to expel, suspend or take no action against Dubbo-born Hewitt.

Hewitt was born in Australia but became a South African citizen.

He helped South Africa win the Davis Cup in 1974 when the final was scratched after India refused to travel to the Republic in protest of their government’s apartheid policies.

Massachusetts resident Heather Conner will be interviewed after saying she was abused by Hewitt.

Conner says she wants him booted from the Hall.

A former Hall president had promised an inquiry. But Stenning told The Boston Globe in May the Hall wasn’t conducting one.

He said on Tuesday the Hall should’ve moved more swiftly but was now “doing the right thing.”

Hewitt reached a career-high ranking of No.34.

He told the South Africa’s Weekend Post in September he was unaware of the allegations and said he did not wish to discuss them.

“I only want to apologise if I offended anyone in any way,” Hewitt said.

“I have had a long, good career which I enjoyed. I do not want to end my career like this. I have had a stroke, have heart problems and am on medication.

“My wife is also ill. I just want to apologise to anyone I have ever offended.”