Lleyton Hewitt bids adieu at the big apple in style
Lleyton Hewitt the name synonymous with five setters in Grand Slam did not disappoint in his final appearance at the US Open- a tournament he won 14 years ago. Hewitt, who will retire after the Australian Open in January next year, overcame a hip injury to rally back from two sets and a service break down to serve for the match at 5-4 in the fifth against fellow Aussie Bernad Tomic. An against-the-odds 33rd five-set win of his career would have been a symbolic milestone for Hewitt and matched the legendary Pete Sampras’ record in matches that have gone the distance.
Hewitt came to the U.S. Open as a wildcard entry this year. He’d already announced that it would be his final U.S. Open. He’ll play the Davis Cup and then retire at the 2016 Australian Open.
Hewitt who has been part of some epic five setters on tour since turning pro had 2 match point opportunities to close out the match but call it nerves or destiny, the South Australian native was not able to script another fairy tale this time round.
“He is a huge legend to me. I always looked up to him. It was very emotional and it was tough to prepare before the match, this one. I am sure a lot of people think he is a great legend, not just myself, so for me it was a privilege.”- Tomic 12 years his junior was quoted as saying.
In other matches 5 time champion Roger Federer and word number 1 Novak Djokovic bulldozed their way two the third round at the US Open. Andy Murray though had a hard fought come from behind victory in his second round match. In the womens side of the draw Serena Williams continues to march on in her quest for a calendar year grand slam. Caroline Wozniacki, last year her finalist bowed out of the US Open in her second round match. With Wozniacki’s defeat only three seeds remain the women’s draw at the US Open this year.
