2003 daily update
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2003 articles 2003 interviews archives
Thursday Dec 18
Lleyton has advised that he will not be participating in the 2004 Olympic Games because it is scheduled 3 days before the US Open. This is very disappointing as it is a great honour for most athletes to represent their country at this special event. The Olympic Games takes place every 4 years while Grand Slams are held 4 times a year. Perhaps tennis should not be a part of the event if top players consider it unimportant and elect to give other tournaments priority.
Lleyton will be playing his next tournament in Perth - the Hopman Cup starting Jan 3 .
Thursday Dec 11
Lleyton is caddying for Greg Norman at the Australian PGA Championships. Articles and pics available.
Monday Dec 1
Lleyton and the Australian team are the 2003 Davis Cup Champions!!! They defeated Spain on Grass in Melbourne. See the DC section of the site.
A reception was held today in Melbourne.
Sunday November 23
Lleyton played golf today with Aaron Badddeley. See articles and photo gallery.
Friday November 21
Today Lleyton and other members of the Dc team attended the funeral of his former coach Bob Carmichael. see articles section.
Wednesday November 19
Mark Philippoussis has arrived for the Davis Cup. The team remains unchanged - Mark, Lleyton, Wayne and Todd. The Spanish team arrives today. Lleyton and Aaron Baddeley will play golf together on Sunday - see articles section.
Thursday November 6
Lleyton has been practising on a grass court at Kooyong in Melbourne in readiness for the Davis Cup final. see Davis Cup section of site for all info.
Thursday October 23
Lleyton was invited to a BBQ lunch with President Bush.
Friday October 17
posted by Mal on Lleytonland - "Lleyton tossed the coin for the soccer match in Adelaide, in which Adelaide United (playing for the first time) beat Brisbane 1-0 in a great game watched by over 15,000 fans. Lleyton looked well and enjoyed the game, shouting and standing up giving high-fives when Adelaide scored. Lleyton is always enthusiastic about everything he does. It was great to hear and see the cheers from the crowd when he was introduced. In his interview he spoke about Kim's dad being a great footballer in his time, and that he had seen some film of Kim's dad playing and he thought he was awesome."
Thursday October 9
Lleyton has had a wart removed from his foot and has consequentially withdrawn from all remaining events in 2003. He will still play the Davis Cup final. He is enjoying some time at home in Adelaide in his new house.
Lleyton has announced he will play the Adidas International and the Hopman Cup prior to the Australian Open in 2004.
Monday September 22
Australia defeated Switzerland in the Davis Cup semi and will meet Spain in the final in Melbourne Nov 28-30. Lleyton was victorious in both his singles matches with the defeat of Federer being a remarkable achievement. Lleyton was 2 sets and a break down with Federer serving for the match in the third!!!! Please go to the DC section of the site for all the details and photos.
Friday September 5
Lleyton was defeated by an in form Ferrero 6-4 3-6 6-7 1-6. He did however suffer hip flexor injury which impeded his game play and serve. Lleyton will next play the Davis Cup semi in Melbourne Australia against Switzerland. Lleyton will need to do well at the remaining Masters Series events and hope that the other top players have a few early losses, if he wants to make the Masters Cup in Houston.
Thursday September 5
After days of rain delays Lleyton defeated Srichaphan 4-6 6-2 6-4 6-2. He will play Ferrero in the quarters.
Saturday August 31
Lleyton has progressed to to the 4th rd where he will face Srichaphan.
"An energetic, refreshed and invigorated
Lleyton Hewitt reverted to championship form on Labor Day Weekend
Saturday, staking his claim as a legitimate contender at the US Open.
His day's work ended early in the second set, as Radek Stepanek was
forced to retire from the match suffering from a lower back injury. The
match ended, 6-1, 3-0, ret.
After quickly breaking Stepanek to open the second set, Hewitt was
controlling play with a 3-0 lead. During the changeover, Stepanek
received massage treatment on his lower back from the trainer, attempted
to continue playing, but called it quits after a few points.
Sluggish and uninspired in his first-round match against Hyung-Taik Lee,
the 2001 US Open winner was lean and mean today, displaying the kind of
grit and determination that has become his calling card."
Thursday August 28
"LLEYTON Hewitt moved into the third round of
the US Open today with a hard-fought four-set win over free-hitting
Korean Hyung-Taik Lee.
Hewitt, 22, recovered after losing the first set to prevail 5-7 6-2 6-2
6-4 on Flushing Meadows' Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Despite the lopsided-looking scoreline over the last three sets, it was
anything but a case of the sixth-seeded Australian having his own way.
Hewitt was pushed to the death and forced to fight off four break points
in a titanic final service game.
He eventually ended the contest doggedly on his fourth match point with
an ace down the middle after two hours, 42 minutes."
Monday August 25
Lleyton defeated Hanescu in straight sets. He was so pleased and relieved to win. His first serve was respectable 53%.
Wednesday August 20
Lleyton is the 6th seed for the USO. The draw has been released - he will play Hanescu in the 1st rd.
Wednesday August 13
Lleyton and Mark have withdrawn from the doubles. Lleyton has a hamstring strain. Lleyton's next tournament will be the US Open.
Lleyton is practising in Florida with Mark Philippoussis at Mark's home. Wally Masur has joined flown over to help them prepare for the US Open.
Tuesday August 12
Lleyton was defeated today by Malisse 6-3 4-6 2-6. Lleyton tried his hardest but the consistency and confidence just wasnt there. He needs to find a new, world class coach who will boost his morale and get his game back on track. The boys won their doubles yesterday defeating Ferrero/Zimonjic 63 75.
Monday August 11
Lleyton is in Cincinnati for the Masters Series event. L won this title last year. He and Mark Philippoussis are playing doubles today. Lleyton has a tough draw in the singles. His first rd opponent is Malisse while a 2nd rd encounter will bring either Philippoussis or Mardy Fish.
Wednesday August 6
Lleyton was defeated by Max Mirnyi 5-7 7-6(4) 5-7. His overall service percentage was 53 however in the last set he managed only 44%. Lleyton had great trouble handling the big serve of Mirnyi who is 6'5".
Tuesday August 5
Montreal Masters Series - Lleyton played well today and did not give Bryan a breakpoint. He defeated Bob Bryan 6-2 6-2.
Sunday August 3
Unfortunately Lleyton lost a 3 set final to Ferreira 3-6 6-4 5-7. He will be playing Montreal Masters which starts Monday, facing Bob Bryan in the 1st rd.
Saturday August 2
Lleyton defeated Kiefer 6-2 6-4 in the semi. He wasn't ever threatened in this match and broke Kiefer twice in the first set.
Friday August 1
Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Top-seeded Australian Lleyton Hewitt moved into the semifinals on Friday, but Sebastien Grosjean was upset at the $380,000 Mercedes-Benz Cup.
Hewitt, who is playing in his first tournament since he lost in the first round at Wimbledon on June 23, defeated Kenneth Carlsen, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4, 6-3, in a tough three-set match.
The 22-year-old Hewitt has already won twice on the ATP Tour this year, at Indian Wells (Tennis Masters Series) and Scottsdale.
Yesterday, the boys lost their rd 2 dbles match to Humphries/Merklein 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.
Wednesday July 30
Lleyton served up a storm, hitting 14 aces, in a victory over Michael Joyce 6-3 6-0. He will play Carlsen in the third rd.
Tuesday July 29
Lleyton defeated Mamiit 6-0 7-5. He did not play his best tennis today however this match is a good start for the US season.
Monday July 28
After a long break Lleyton returns to the tennis court this week in the Mercedes Benz Cup Los Angeles. He will play Cecil Mamiit in the first rd. He has been practising in LA will Mark Philippoussis, in readiness for their Davis Cup clash with Switzerland in September. Lleyton teamed with Mark to win their first rd doubles match against Fereirra/Gimelstob 4-6 6-2 7-5.
Saturday June 28
Lleyton was in Ireland at the Special Olympics. There is a link on the index page of the site.
Monday June 23
Ivo Karlovic staged one of Wimbledon's biggest-ever upsets as he stunned defending champion Lleyton Hewitt in the first round.
The 6ft 10in Croatian, ranked 203 in the world, lost the first set and the Australian top seed appeared to be on his way to an easy win.
But he dug deep, and took the second on a tie-break, before blitzing the out-of-sorts Hewitt in the third and fourth sets to wrap up a 1-6 7-6 6-3 6-4 win.
Hewitt became the first defending Wimbledon men's champion since tennis turned professional in 1968 to lose in the first round.
Lleyon will be back on court July 28 in LA.
June 17
The Wimbledon draw has been released with Lleyton meeting a qualifier in the 1st rd. A copy of the draw is in the Wimbledon articles section of this web site.
Friday June 13
"Lleyton
Hewitt saw his hopes of an unprecedented fourth successive Queen's Club
grasscourt title ended by Sebastien Grosjean in the quarter-finals. French Davis
Cup player Grosjean beat Wimbledon champion Hewitt in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4,
in one hour and 28 minutes.
Defeat also cost Hewitt his world number one ranking when Andre Agassi reclaimed
top spot after beating Xavier Malisse 6-4, 7-5 in his quarter-final."
The boys also lost the dbles X. Malisse-A. Sa d. L. Hewitt-M. Philippoussis 26
75 76(2)
Thursday June 12
"Top seed Lleyton Hewitt survived his second three-set
battle in as many days after fighting off the challenge of Belgian Dick
Norman to reach the quarterfinals of the Stella Artois Championships.
Hewitt, seeking a record fourth consecutive title at The Queen's Club,
took just over two hours to record a 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-4 victory over the
6'8" Norman." Lleyton and Mark P defeated Eagle/Palmer in the
doubles 6-3 6-4
Wednesday June 12
Lleyton Hewitt had to draw upon all of
his experience to keep his hopes of a record fourth consecutive Stella
Artois title alive after overcoming a close three-set battle with Raemon
Sluiter.
The top seed eventually prevailed 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(3) after 2 hours, 9
minutes, having saved a set point in the first set tie-break as
Sluiter's backhand volley drifted wide.
"I knew it was going to be a tough match as soon as I saw the
draw," said Hewitt. "I've only played against him once in
Stockholm and I played pretty average that day but he played very well.
I saw him play against Tim [Henman] here in the semifinals last year and
he probably should have won that match. So I knew it was going to be
hard and that's exactly how it was."
Monday June 9
Jason
Stoltenburg has resigned as Lleyton's coach citing family reasons. Roger Rasheed
who has been working as assistant coach will take over. Lleyton has a bye in the
first rd at Queens. Lleyton and Flip were successful in the dbles at Queens
defeating J.M. Gambill-G. Oliver 62 75
Saturday May 31
'In perhaps the most stunning collapse of his young
career, top-ranked Lleyton Hewitt was shocked 6-4 6-1 3-6 2-6 3-6 by
Spaniard Tommy Robredo in the third round on Saturday.
Hewitt appeared to have seized control of the match in the fifth set
when he screamed and sped his way to a 3-0 lead, but then his level of
play dropped precipitously and the Aussie slipped, slid and dropped six
straight games and the match. For his part, Robredo never appeared to
tire and kept fighting, keeping the ball deep, serving huge at key
moments and nailing the corners with his whipping forehands."
Thursday May 29
Lleyton outlasted Davydenko 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) in a three-and-a-half hour
dogfight.
"Even though he hit short much of the day and could have used a rocket booster
attached to his racket to help him hit a winner, the red-faced Hewitt kept
fighting until his opponent folded in the fourth set tiebreaker, squandering a
3-0 lead due to six unforced errors."
Tuesday May 27
"Top seed Lleyton Hewitt opened his 2003 French
Open campaign by grinding down American rookie Brian Vahaly in four long
sets on Court Suzanne Lenglen early Tuesday afternoon.
The 22-year-old Australian spent a gruelling three hours, 13 minutes
under the sunny Parisian skies, gradually exhausting the inexperienced
Vahaly 6-4 6-1 6-7(6) 6-3 with a mediocre display of baseline tennis. A
combined unforced error count of 201 painted a dismal picture of today's
less than impressive performance by both players."
Friday May 23
French Open starts Monday.
"TOP seed Lleyton Hewitt will have to fight all the way for his first French Open
title after being handed a nightmare draw today with the prospect of facing any
one of seven top line clay court specialists by the semis.
If Hewitt gets past a potential clash with three-time winner Gustavo Kuerten or
21st seed Gaston Gaudio in the fourth round, he faces a possible quarter final
against either defending champion Albert Costa (9th seed) from Spain or Gaudio's
fellow Argentinians David Nalbandian (8) and Agustin Calleri (18)."
Thursday May 22
"World number one Lleyton Hewitt earned a psychological boost before next week's French Open by breaking a four-match losing streak against Carlos Moya (news) at the World Team Cup on Thursday. Hewitt matched Moya from the baseline to claim a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory and put his team ahead against Spain in the Red Group. But his joy was short-lived as Alex Corretja beat Wayne Arthurs to level the scores before Spain won the deciding doubles to clinch a 2-1 victory."
The French Open starts Monday 26 May.
Tuesday May 20
Sunday May 18 2003
The Czech Republic has beaten Australia on the opening day of the World
Team Championship in Dusseldorf.
World No.1 Lleyton Hewitt gave Australia the lead after the opening rubber with
a 6-3 6-2 defeat of Jiri Novak, but Radek Stepanek levelled the tie when he
eclipsed Wayne Arthurs 7-6 (7-1) 6-3.
With the Red Group contest down to the doubles, Hewitt and Arthurs combined but
were unable to rescue the result for Australia, as Novak and Stepanek claimed a
decisive 6-4 6-4 victory.
Thursday May 16
Lleyton was defeated in a 3 set encounter today by Fernando Gonzales 1-6 6-3 0-6.
"It was the second straight match in which a sluggish Hewitt slumped to a 0-5 start. Yesterday, he fought back from the deep deficit to overcome Arnaud Clement in a three hour, 36-minute marathon that was the longest three-set match of Hewitt's career. Fatigue may have been a factor today as Hewitt had trouble making up ground against Gonzalez's overwhelming baseline assault, but even a rested Hewitt would have had trouble beating Gonzalez today."
Lleyton will be playing the World Team
Cup with Wayne Arthurs next week.
Wednesday May 14
In another nail biter, Lleyton has pulled off a stunning win! He defeated Arnaud Clement 6-7 6-3 7-6 after being down 5-0 in the 1st set.
Tuesday May 13
Lleyton defeated Hantschk 6-1 4-6 6-4 1st rd Hamburg Masters Series. He will play Clement tomorrow, third match on centre court.
Monday May 12
Lleyton regains the World No.1 ranking today. Hamburg starts today. Lleyton will play his first rd match on Tuesday against Markus Hantschk. Agassi is not playing this week. L will play the World Team Cup next week in Dusseldorf with Wayne Arthurs.
Tuesday April 15
Lleyton has withdrawn from next week's Barcelona
tournament. It has also been announced that he is taking the ATP to
court - see articles section. Lleyton has flown home to Australia to
seek treatment for his exhaustion. His next tournament will be Hamburg
Masters Series May 12.
Sunday April 6
The Australians completed a clean sweep of the Swedes 5-0. Wayne substituted for Lleyton in the 4th dead rubber. Wayne Arthurs defeated Joachim Johansson 63 36 76(4) Mark Philippoussis defeated Magnus Norman 75 57 63. The semi will be a home tie against Switzerland Sept 19-21.
Saturday April 5
Todd Woodbridge-Wayne Arthurs def Bjorkman-Enqvist 64 62 62
Friday April 4
Lleyton and Mark are off to a great
start in the Davis Cup quarterfinal in Sweden.
Mark Philippoussis def Jonas Bjorkman 6-4, 6-3, 6-3
Lleyton Hewitt def Thomas Enqvist 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. The doubles will be
played on Saturday.
Friday March 21
Lleyton was defeated in the second rd at Miami by Francisco Clavet 4-6 4-6. Lleyton was hit by a bout of food poisoning and could find his true form. His next tournament will be Davis Cup in Malmo Sweden.
Sunday March 16
Lleyton defended his Indian Wells
title by defeating Gustavo Kuerten 6-1 6-1. Lleyton has moved to 4th
position in the Champions Race. "Lleyton
Hewitt produced his most ruthless performance in an ATP final at the
Pacific Life Open Sunday, beating Gustavo Kuerten 6-1, 6-1 to claim his
19th career singles title and his second Tennis Masters Series shield.
Hewitt, who last year conceded just three games to Tim Henman in the
Indian Wells final, successfully defended a title for the fifth time.
The Australian is the first player to defend the Indian Wells title
since Michael Chang in 1996-97.
It was the second time Hewitt has won a title after saving match points
during the tournament (San Jose 2002). In the first round Hewitt saved
three match points (spread across two games) to defeat Younes El Aynaoui.
Hewitt extended his winning streak to 12 matches dating back to his loss
to El Aynaoui in the fourth round of the Australian Open. He is now 15-1
on the season.
Hewitt, who last week won the Scottsdale singles title and reached the
doubles final, has played 15 matches (11 singles, four doubles) in 14
days."
Saturday March 15
Lleyton defeated Spadea in straight sets 7-6 6-1. "Hewitt -- the 2001 U.S. Open champion and last year's Wimbledon winner -- fell behind Spadea 4-1 in the first set, but came back to break Spadea's service and catch him at 4-4. Both players spent most of their first set at the baseline, with many points decided when one or the other hit the ball into the net or out. Hewitt made 22 unforced errors and hit only 15 winners in the opening set, and Spadea had 16 unforced errors and 13 winners. Hewitt had one double fault in the tiebreaker, but Spadea had two. With the crowd chanting, ``Vinnie! Vinnie!'' after he won two points on Hewitt's serve to close within 6-5, Spadea hit his second serve into the net to lose the final point. Then Hewitt turned more aggressive and Spadea more tentative in the second set."
Friday March 14
Lleyton defeated Robbie Ginepri
6-4 6-2. While Ginepri is talented his inexperience probably let him
down today.
"Defending champion Lleyton Hewitt won through to the semifinals of
the Pacific Life Open for the third consecutive year when he defeated
Robby Ginepri 6-4, 6-2 Friday. Hewitt's victory ensured that he would
retain the No.1 ranking that he would have surrendered to Andre Agassi
had he lost today. Hewitt has held the No.1 position in the ATP Entry
Rankings for 69 consecutive weeks - the second longest streak for any
first-time No.1 behind Jimmy Connors (160 weeks)."
Thursday March 13
Lleyton defeated Coria 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 "from
the outset, the two players traded superlative ground strokes, raising
each other to increasing heights of performance.
Coria, demonstrating all his mighty promise, took the first set on a
tie-break and the pair traded seven breaks of serve in the second before
Hewitt snatched the one that mattered with a glorious backhand lob.
One break was enough in the final set but Hewitt could not rest for a
moment, such was the breathtaking array of Coria’s talents.
At the joyous completion of his 6-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory in two hours and
35 minutes, Hewitt placed his hand on the Argentinian’s shoulder. It
had been a real battle. One more to survive, and he can relax a
bit."
Wednesday March 12
Lleyton continued his winning form with a straight sets win over Kafelnikov 6-2 6-3. The match, however, was not as straight forward as the score line suggests. There were many protracted rallies and several breaks of serve.
Tuesday March 11
"WORLD No.1 Lleyton Hewitt saved three match
points in the second set to survive a scare from Younes El Aynaoui and
advance to the second round at the ATP Masters Series event.
Defending champion Hewitt beat the Moroccan 4-6 7-5 6-2 at the $US2.45
million ($A4 million) hard-court tournament today.
"I went for my shots on match point and it paid off," said
Hewitt.
"You sort of live and die on the edge, I guess."
Sunday March 9
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP)Lleyton Hewitt beat fellow Aussie Mark Philippoussis 6-4, 6-4 Sunday to win his second Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic title.
``It's been a wonderful week,'' said Hewitt, ranked No. 1 in the world and the winner of 18 career tournaments. ``It was fantastic preparation. I played solid out there. I took advantage of the chances that I had.
Blake-Merklein d. (WC)Hewitt-Philippoussis 64 67(2) 76(5) in the dbles final.
Saturday March 8
Lleyton hasn't lost a set in his singles this week at Scottsdale. He defeated Taylor Dent 6-2 6-4 and will face Mark Philippoussis in the final. Lleyton's passing shots and overall play were superior today. Dbles - Lleyt and Flip defeated Wayne Arthurs/ Paul Hanley 7-6 (2) 6-7 (4) 2-1 ret.
Friday March 7
Another straightforward win by our boy. He
defeated Corretja 6-4 6-2. Lleyton HEWITT (AUS)/Mark PHILIPPOUSSIS (AUS) d.
Donald JOHNSON (USA)/Jared PALMER (USA) 6-3, 6-4. They will play
Wayne ARTHURS (AUS)/Paul HANLEY (AUS) on Saturday.
Thursday March 6
Lleyton defeated Ferreira 7-5 6-1. He will now play Corretja in the quarters.
Tuesday March 4
Lleyton finished off a routine two setter against Vicente 6-3 6-4 at Scottsdale. Ferreira, a tough player, is next! Agassi was defeated in the opening rd. Lleyton and Flip won their doubles match yesterday. Lleyton HEWITT (AUS)/Mark PHILIPPOUSSIS (AUS) d. David NALBANDIAN (ARG)/Sebastian PRIETO (ARG) 6-3, 4-6, 6-1
Friday 21 Feb
Lleyton and Philippoussis have accepted wildcards into Scottsdale commencing March 3. Lleyton is now in Scottsdale practising and watching Kim.
Sunday Feb 9
Australia def Great Britain 4-1. Lleyton flew to Belgium to be with Kim.
Saturday Feb 8
Australia has an assailable lead 3-0 over
Great Britain
Lleyton Hewitt/Todd Woodbridge v Arvind Parmar/Miles MacLagan 6-1 6-3 4-6 6-2
Except for a small glitch in the third set of the doubles this tie was an easy
victory for Australia. the team will now face Brazil (at home) or Sweden (in
Sweden) in the quarterfinal. ***Lleyton will now take a break, returning to
court at the Indian Wells Master Series Mar 3-16
Friday Feb 7
Lleyton won his DC singles match in straight
sets. He didnt play at his best but did enough to win :-)
Mark Philippoussis def Alan Mackin 6-3 6-3 6-3
Lleyton Hewitt def Alex Bogdanovic 7-5 6-1 6-2
Thursday Jan 30
Lleyton arrives in Sydney to begin training for Davis Cup
Wednesday Jan 29
Lleyton is in Melbourne playing at the Heinekin Golf Classic with Greg Norman.
Monday January 20
Younes El Aynaoui overpowered Lleyton Hewitt with his serve and big forehand Monday, knocking the top-ranked player out in the fourth round of the Australian Open.
The Moroccan, seeded 18th, beat Hewitt 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-4, derailing his hopes of becoming the first Australian winner of the home Grand Slam tournament since 1976.
Hewitt, known as an outstanding returner, had only three break chances in the match as El Aynaoui served at speeds up to 131 mph.
``I gave it everything I had and he was too good,'' said Hewitt, the 2001 U.S. Open and 2002 Wimbledon champion. ``It's tough at the moment, but I've got to not get too dejected and bounce back strongly. ... It was just too hard the way he was serving today. It was a little bit out of my control.''
Saturday January 18
Lleyton defeated Radek Stepanek in straight sets 6-3 6-2 6-0. The 4th rd match will not be so easy - he will play Younes El Aynaoui of Morocco.
Thursday January 16
Lleyton defeated compatriot Larkham in 74 minutes 6-1, 6-0, 6-1. He will meet Radek Stepanek in the 3rd rd who defeated Kuerten in a 5 set match.
Tuesday January 14
Lleyton defeated Magnus Larsson in 5 sets 6-3 3-6 6-1 6-7 (3-7) 6-2. His next opponent will be Australian Todd Larkham.
"When Lleyton Hewitt finally put away brave Swedish veteran Magnus Larsson he turned to his family and girlfriend Kim Clijsters and rapped the skin above his heart with a clenched fist.Larsson, aged 32 and a qualifier ranked 152 places behind the Hewitt, gave world No. 1 an intense workout Tuesday before succumbing in a pulsating five-setter, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-2.Hewitt's ticker, his never surrender attitude, had gotten him through again, and he knew it. Larsson did too, suggesting Hewitt's one true great attribute is his fighting spirit."
Sunday January 12
Lleyton will play Magnus Larsson in the 1st rd of the Australian Open.
Sunday Jan 5
Lleyton is practising for the Aust Open at White City, Sydney while Kim is playing nearby at the Adidas International tournament.
Saturday Jan 4
USA won Hopman Cup 2-0 Serena
Williams (USA) d Alicia Molik (Australia) 6-2 6-3
James Blake (USA) d Lleyton Hewitt (Australia) 6-3 6-4. Blake + Williams (USA) d
Hewitt + Molik (Australia) 6-3 6-2
Lleyton's next tournament will be the Australian Open commencing January 13. He will be looking to improve the form he displayed in his 2 consecutive defeats at the Hopman Cup. His serve was lacking while his racquet head speed and accuracy weren't where he would want them to be.
Thursday Jan 2 2003
AUSTRALIA 2 d CZECH REP. 1
Alicia Molik (Australia) d Daja Bedanova (Czech Rep.) 7-6 7-5
Jiri Novak (Czech Rep.) d Lleyton Hewitt (Australia) 6-2 3-6 6-3
Hewitt + Molik (Australia) d Novak + Bedanova (Czech Rep.) 4-6 7-5 10-4 (super
tiebreak)
Aust will play either USA or Belgium on Saturday.
Tuesday Dec 31 - last report for 2002
AUSTRALIA 3 d SLOVAK REP.
Alicia Molik (Australia) d Daniela Hantuchova (Slovak Rep.) 6-4 6-2
Lleyton Hewitt (Australia) d Dominik Hrbaty (Slovak Rep.) 6-2 6-0
Hewitt + Molik (Australia) d Hrbaty + Hantuchova (Slovak Rep.) 7-6 7-6
Sunday Dec 29
AUSTRALIA has completed a clean sweep in the singles to open
their Hyundai Hopman Cup campaign impressively in the $1-million ITF mixed teams
tennis championship at Perth’s Burswood Dome.
World No. 1 Lleyton wrapped up his clash with Davide Sanguinetti 6-3, 6-1 after
the Italian rolled his right ankle towards the end of the first set and after
injury time and then almost immediately a 55-minute break due to a power
failure, the Aussie wrapped up the match quickly. Earlier, Alicia Molik had
beaten Silvia Farina-Elia 6-3, 6-4 despite being ranked some 77 places lower
than the Italian in the women’s list. australia will play the Slovak Republic
on Tuesday.