2005 news

Top seed Lleyton Hewitt will face a tough path to the final after the official draw for the Next Generation Adelaide International was made this afternoon.

Hewitt faces Czech Jan Hernych in the first round. The two have only met on one previous occasion – at Wimbledon this year – where Hewitt won in four sets. Should Hewitt pass the first hurdle an all-Aussie clash with wildcard Chris Guccione is looming.

Guccione is on the fourth line of the draw and plays German world No.86 Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first round. Should Hewitt reach the third round sixth seed Czech Tomas Berdych or rising British star Andy Murray may just be waiting.

Lleyton and his family arrived in Adelaide on Boxing Day. Lleyton will play the Adelaide tournament January 2, then Sydney and the Australian Open. He has also confirmed his participation in the San Jose California tournament Feb 13. I assume he will play Davis Cup 1st rd in Switzerland Feb 10-12. A busy start to the year!

Bec and Lleyton Hewitt have welcomed the birth of their first child, a girl.

"Lleyton and Bec Hewitt are pleased to announce the overnight arrival of their first child, a healthy baby girl," publicist Rob Aivatoglou said today.

The baby girl was born at Sydney's North Shore Private Hospital at 1.45 am (AEDT).

"At this stage Lleyton and Bec have not announced a name for their new arrival," Mr Aivatoglou said.

"Mother and baby are both doing extremely well. Lleyton and Bec are absolutely thrilled.

"Most importantly, everything went smoothly and mother and daughter are well.

"Bec and Lleyton very much look forward to taking their daughter home in the coming days."

Mr Aivatoglou said the couple had no further comment other than to thank the public for their "generous support" in recent weeks.

"They have genuinely appreciated the thoughts of well wishes as this most exciting time in their lives has approached," he said.

Lleyton will not play the Masters Cup. "Impending fatherhood has forced two-time Tennis Masters Cup champion Lleyton Hewitt to withdraw from the circuit finale in Shanghai, which begins this Sunday. Hewitt and wife Bec Cartwright are expecting their first child within the next two weeks.

Hewitt won Tennis Masters Cup Sydney in 2001 and won a second consecutive title in Shanghai in 2002. He finished year-end No. 1 in both years.

Hewitt said: "I am extremely disappointed as I have always enjoyed playing Tennis Masters Cup and had a great time in Shanghai in 2002, winning the event and maintaining my year-end World No.1 status. With my baby due in the next two weeks, it is not possible for me to come. I wish the event well and am sure it will be a great success and I hope to qualify for next year’s Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai."

Tennis Masters Cup Tournament Director Brad Drewett said: "We're obviously all very disappointed that Lleyton can't be with us this year. He has had an amazing record at the Tennis Masters Cup over the years, but we understand his situation and wish he and Bec all the best for the birth of their first child."

Gaston Gaudio narrowly missed out on clinching a Shanghai berth last week at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris when he reached the quarterfinals. The Argentine, who qualified for Tennis Masters Cup Houston last year after winning Roland Garros, has won five titles in 2005: Vina del Mar, Buenos Aires, Estoril, Gstaad and Kitzbuhel.

Gaudio joins Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Andre Agassi, Guillermo Coria, Nikolay Davydenko, and Ivan Ljubicic in the eight-man field at the $4.45 million finale.

Tennis Masters Cup Doubles will be played concurrent with the singles final at the new Qi Zhong stadium. Teams competing are Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan and Jonas Bjorkman/Max Mirnyi – who are locked in a battle for year-end No. 1 honors - Wayne Black/Kevin Ullyett, Mark Knowles/Daniel Nestor, Leander Paes/Nenad Zimonjic, Michael Llodra/Fabrice Santoro, Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley and Wimbledon champions Wesley Moodie and Stephen Huss. "

Tuesday October 11

"Providing wife and unborn child are doing well, Lleyton Hewitt - the most successful player in the five-year history of the Tennis Masters Cup - will again contest the prestigious season-ending championship in Shanghai.

Hewitt has entered the season's two remaining Masters Series events in Madrid and Paris this month, but is certain to miss both as he recovers from minor toe surgery and the groin injury that forced his withdrawal from the quarter-finals in Bangkok two weeks ago.

The former world No.1's participation in the lucrative Masters Cup from November 13-20 has been up in the air since it emerged his wife Bec Cartwright was pregnant with the couple's first child later this year.

But Hewitt's management have revealed Cartwright was not due until "late November" - a week after the completion of the tournament, thus opening a window of opportunity for the 24-year-old to chase an unprecedented third Masters Cup crown.

"Lleyton is keen to play but the baby and Bec are his priorities," Rob Aivatoglou said.

"One of the challenges here is we're dealing with nature. It's one of the peculiarities in life. We're waiting to see how it all unfolds over the next few weeks.

"Obviously as she goes through the pregnancy, she will be in constant dialogues with her doctors. Hopefully it will all go smoothly and Lleyton will make his tennis decisions around that."

Under ATP guidelines, Hewitt could gain exemption from the lucrative event because his expectant wife would be a reason other than injury "that constitutes good cause".

While such an exemption is unprecedented at a Masters Cup, an ATP spokesman said it was probably a more than reasonable excuse for Hewitt not to play should he want out.

Hewitt has yet to officially clinch a spot in the elite eight-man field but his qualification is all but a formality. (Lleyton qualified for the tournament on October 20)

He sits comfortably in fourth position in the 2005 ATP Champions Race with a lead of more than 150 points over a batch of clay courters who are extremely unlikely to bridge the gap over the remainder of the European indoor season.

Hewitt is the only player to have reached three Masters Cup finals, winning back-to-back in 2001-02, including the one and only previous edition in Shanghai three years ago.

He lost last year's final to world No.1 Roger Federer, who also has two titles but whose record falls marginally short of Hewitt's with the Swiss master only reaching the semi-finals in his only other appearance.

Aivatoglou said Hewitt should be back on court training within the next week or two."

"LLEYTON Hewitt has had foot surgery for the second time this year.

The world No.3 was operated on in Adelaide to remedy soreness in a toe on his left foot.
The US Open and Wimbledon winner is not expected to be able to practise for at least two weeks as he also recovers from a groin strain.

The groin injury forced Hewitt to pull out of the Thailand Open 45 minutes before his scheduled quarter-final with Paradorn Srichaphan last week.

Hewitt had a cyst removed from his right foot during surgery in April.

His manager, Rob Aivatoglou, said Hewitt had decided to have the latest operation while overcoming the groin complaint.

"The groin injury meant Lleyton could have the toe operation in terms of timing," Aivatoglou said. "He'll be inconvenienced for a week or two.

"We've decided to have the operation now to allow Lleyton to prepare for the rest of the season and to be ready for the Australian circuit."

Hewitt, 24, has just one tournament on his 2005 radar.

He is sitting in fifth place in the race to qualify for the Masters Cup in Shanghai from November 13-20. "

"Lleyton Hewitt pulled out of his Thailand Open quarter-final against Paradorn Srichaphan in Bangkok late on Friday, handing the home favourite a walkover win.

Hewitt gave Paradorn a free pass into a semi-final against young British star Andy Murray after complaining of a niggling groin injury.

"In my practise today I overstretched the inside left of my groin which had been stiff from training and especially after the match over Gimelstob last night," said Hewitt, whose tournament plans are uncertain as he awaits the birth of his first child.

The Australian struggled in both his opening matches in Bangkok, and had needed to fight off four match points against Justin Gimelstob before advancing to the quarter-finals."

Thai Open -"Hewitt saved four match points to defeat American Justin Gimelstob 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (9) in 2 hours, 15 minutes .

The second-seeded Hewitt rallied from 3-5 in the final set. Three match-point saves came in the tie break, with Hewitt winning on his second match point after Gimelstob's double fault."

Australia will play Switzerland in an away tie next February in the 1st rd of the 2006 Davis Cup.

Wednesday September 28

"LLEYTON HEWITT struggled to overcome a dogged opponent before reaching the second round of the Thailand Open today.

Second seed Hewitt, playing his first match since losing to Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the US Open, survived an enterprising challenge from Czech Lukas Dlouhy to win 6-3 3-6 7-5.

Australian Hewitt appeared set for a runaway victory as he swept to a 4-1 lead, but once Dlouhy settled he offered a real challenge.

His adventurous play paid off as he tormented Hewitt with his strong serve, which he often followed up with a clean volley and a willingness to chase down every ball and produce winners from difficult angles.

Hewitt struggled to find consistency, and the match remained evenly balanced until Dlouhy finally conceded with a double-fault."

"LLEYTON Hewitt is hoping his near miss against Roger Federer in the US Open semi-finals today will be the springboard to a successful Australian Open campaign in January.

Hewitt is unlikely to play another tournament this year, except perhaps the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai, as he and actress wife Bec Cartwright devote full attention to the impending birth of their first child.

Australia's former world No.1 has not entered any more tournaments in 2005 and said he "won't go chasing points" in order to qualify for the eight-man Masters in November, a prestigious event he won back-to-back in 2001-02.

Regardless of his barren schedule, Federer said Hewitt had every right to feel confident that he would eventually crack it for another win over the Swiss maestro after breathing new life into their rivalry today.

Federer dropped a set against Hewitt for the first time in six matches before finally shaking off his tenacious opponent 6-3 7-6 (7-0) 4-6 6-3 after precisely three hours of high-quality tennis.

"He was awfully close today, much closer than he was in the last few matches. I think it should give him some confidence," Federer said.

"He played a good match. It was close. This match could have gone either way, I had the feeling, so I'm happy I came through on top."

Indeed, Hewitt was desperately unlucky not to have locked the match up at a set apiece after holding five set points in the second, all on Federer's serve.

The five-time grand slam champion and reigning US Open titleholder then played an "incredible" tiebreaker, producing a series of breathtaking winners to leave Hewitt staring down the barrel of a ninth straight loss to his 24-year-old rival.

Even Federer said Hewitt deserved to be on level terms after the second set.

"There was a lot of luck involved because five set points normally don't come out," he said.

"I was in some rough situations there, and obviously I was serving all right, but, in the end, I think he should have deserved that set. But tennis can be tough sometimes."

As can Hewitt, and the world No.4 was rewarded for his extra aggression when he had Federer rattled enough to miss an easy smash when facing a break point in the seventh game of the third set.

Hewitt grabbed his lifeline to serve out the set and continued matching Federer shot for for shot until a brief lapse in concentration in the sixth game of the fourth set proved fatal.

The 2001 champion coughed up consecutive double-faults to drop his serve and fall behind 4-2, and there was no way back.

"It's obviously a bit disappointing right at the moment, but it was a lot better effort on my part of getting myself into the match and having a bit of a tussle with him," Hewitt said.

"Once I got into the match, I felt like I was able to go toe-to-toe with him pretty well.

"But he's a hell of a shot-maker, the best shot-maker I've ever seen. He can pull the trigger anywhere on the court.

"Once you go down two sets to love against a guy like Roger, it's always going to be a massive uphill battle."

"But maybe I'll take a few more positives out of today's match than the final last year," Hewitt said.

"Who knows, in a few months' time, that might hold me in good stead down in Melbourne hopefully."

Despite not adding to his grand slam collection, Hewitt has had a wonderful season in the majors, losing the Australian Open final to Marat Safin and falling to Federer in the semi-finals at Wimbledon and now Flushing Meadows.

"I'm satisfied with it. I haven't left anything in the locker room in any three of the majors that I've played," he said.

"I've put pressure on. It's only been two guys that have beaten me in the three majors this year that I played, and they're not bad players.

"Obviously, the next focus will be about the Australian Open - training towards that and getting in as good a shape as possible for that.

"It's a tournament that I love playing and I'm going to really look forward to it again. "

"In trouble against unseeded Jarkko Nieminen, Hewitt finally broke out his trademark shouts in the fifth set Thursday. Sure enough, the 2001 champion and last year's runner-up finished Nieminen off 2-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 to advance to the U.S. Open semifinals for a fifth time.

``Maybe I should have used them a bit earlier,'' Hewitt said. ``It was nice just to get through the fifth set. A lot of the games were tight ... and a few just went my way.''

The third-seeded Hewitt will play either No. 1 Roger Federer, who won last year's final, or 11th-seeded David Nalbandian on Saturday. The other semifinal will feature Robby Ginepri and Andre Agassi, whose thrilling five-set match against James Blake on Wednesday night was one for the ages.

Hewitt is notoriously noisy on the court, and more than a few opponents have complained about his fist pumps, forehand taps and loud shouts of ``Come on!'' when he makes a good shot. But the Australian, newly married and a few weeks from becoming a father, has barely made a peep at the Open."

"Dominik Hrbaty has the highest serve toss on the ATP Tour, but he couldn’t even come close to tossing No. 3 seed Lleyton Hewitt out of the Round of 16 in Arthur Ashe Stadium Tuesday afternoon. The 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win seemed almost effortless for Hewitt after the Aussie’s five set slugfest with American Taylor Dent in the third round.

Hewitt made quick work of the first set, wailing away at the Slovak with powerful cross-court forehands. Hrbaty -- well ventilated and fashion forward in his holey pink and black ensemble -- managed to eke out just one game.

Hrbaty has had a stellar season on the hardcourts and currently holds the fourth best record (27-12) on the surface after Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, and Andy Roddick.

The Slovak played his best in the second set, fighting hard and making fewer errors to keep things relatively even, until a dropped game at 4-4 left Hewitt serving for the set.

The few times Hrbaty broke Hewitt and seemed to have a chance at getting back in the game, the Aussie would answer him right back with a break of his own. Hewitt was so good at dictating pace and directing the ball to all corners of the court that Hrbaty just couldn’t keep up. He’d hold his own during a rally, but inevitably slip into an error. Hrbaty suffered 49 unforced errors in all, while Hewitt had just 15. It didn’t take long for Hewitt to finish Hrbaty off in straight sets.

With the loss, Hrbaty falls short of his performance here last year where he made it to the quarterfinals before losing to Tim Henman.

Hewitt now moves into his sixth consecutive US Open quarterfinal where he’ll face unseeded Finn Jarkko Nieminen. "

"Lleyton Hewitt smashed the ball over the net at 114 mph, one more time, one last ace, and then clenched his fist and punched the air, his victory over Taylor Dent at the U.S. Open on Sunday finally secure.

This was no stroll in Flushing Meadow Park for the third-seeded Hewitt. There was No. 25 Dent, determined to take a step up by beating an elite player. There was the capricious wind, swirling around the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium. And there was a serve he thought was only average.

So, he battled for 3 hours, 21 minutes before finally advancing to the fourth round of the season's final Grand Slam. There were eight double faults, including at least one in each of the five games in which he was broken, and 36 unforced errors, too many mistakes for a former Open champion.

"He put up a good fight, but Jose Acasuso of Argentina couldn't fend off third-seeded Australian Lleyton Hewitt this afternoon in Louis Armstrong Stadium. Hewitt took the match in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6, 6-2.

Hewitt, a 2001 champion here, faced a man who before this week had yet to win a single US Open match… though not for lack of trying. He's made four previous appearances, each of them first-round exits.

The first set remained on-serve as the two first-time opponents felt each other out. With both men playing solid tennis, the set was forced to a tie-break, which Hewitt slimly managed to win.

The Australian was sidelined for the entire clay-court season, including the French Open, after taking a spill down the stairs of his Sydney abode and injuring his ribs.

Acasuso, on the other hand, fared well on the red clay of Roland Garros this year, with a career-high round-of-16 finish. He even managed a victory over Andy Roddick along the way.

The Argentine continued to progress throughout the summer months, winning three consecutive hard=court Tour matches for the first time in his career en route to a quarterfinal finish at AMS Cincinnati.

When Hewitt broke to begin the second set, it seemed as if the match's tight beginning had taken all of the Argentine's steam, but in the fourth game, Acasuso managed to convert his fourth break-point chance to level things off.

Then, with Acasuso up 6-5 in the second set, Hewitt served a ball to the ad court that went unsighted by the line judge. Chair umpire Pascal Moran also could not accurately call the point, and therefore decreed that it be replayed. Both players took issue with the ruling, each in turn heading over to the chair to challenge Moran. Eventually, the tournament referee was called over to clear things up: the official rules, he said, declared that when the point goes unseen by both the linesperson and the chair umpire, it must be replayed.

Despite the arguments, the ruling turned out to be to the Aussie's advantage. He went on to win the game, sending the match to a tie-break, which Hewitt barreled through, 7-6 (3).

Compared to the first two close sets, the third went rather quickly to Hewitt, who never went off the offensive. He'll see American Taylor Dent in round three. "

Saturday August 27

LLEYTON Hewitt will push into Asia with a new business plan after confirming a three-year, multi-million dollar clothing and footwear deal with Japanese sportswear company Yonex.
Manager Rob Aivatoglou said Hewitt will spend more time in Japan and China to build and service a growing list of endorsements from Asian corporations.
Announcing the arrangement in New York yesterday, Aivatoglou said the deal with Yonex, worth "seven figures" a year, replaced a former Nike clothing endorsement, which ended at Wimbledon.
Hewitt, who is seeded to meet world No. 1 Roger Federer in the semi-finals in New York, has also chosen to enter more forcefully into Australian tennis politics recently.
In particular, he has called for former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash to take a more influential role in the development of Australia's success-starved junior programs.
There are only seven Australians in the 256 singles players at the US Open.
"We need a kick to get the coaching and structure within all the states of Australia really producing young players coming through and taking that next step into the seniors," Hewitt said in an interview with Seven's , which will be shown this morning.
"I think we need people like Pat Cash, who are very motivated and who have been great players in their own right. I think a lot of juniors would draw a lot of motivation and satisfaction from it."
Federer says he has a clear mental edge over Hewitt and feels the Australian can't beat him on the eve of the US Open.
Federer holds a 10-7 win/loss record over Hewitt but the Swiss sensation has dominated their matches over the last two years and is on an eight match winning streak over the newly married Hewitt.
Among those wins include a humiliating straight-sets victory in last year's US Open final where Federer took Hewitt's game apart to win 6-0, 7-6, 6-0.
"I have an edge over him at the moment," Federer said. "That's clear with the matches I have beaten him in a row."

"The long and winding road to the 2005 US Open final began in earnest today with the unveiling of the men's and women's singles draws, held in a morning ceremony at the Dag Hammarskjöld Library Auditorium of the United Nations in New York City.

A pair of former US Open winners joined defending champion and top-seed Roger Federer in his half of the men's draw.

Top-seed Maria Sharapova drew a difficult top section of the draw featuring the defending US Open women's champion and both Williams sisters.

Meanwhile, second-seed Rafael Nadal will have to find a will and a way to get past two-time US Open champion Andre Agassi and 2003 winner Andy Roddick to reach his first US Open final.

2001 US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt, the runner-up to the Swiss a year ago in Queens, looms as a threat to the title defense, along with 2000 titlist Marat Safin, who famously upended Federer at the Australian Open in an instant classic, five-set semifinal.

On the heels of capturing his first Slam at the French Open, Nadal, a precocious 19-year-old Spaniard with the fastest wheels in the business, could lock up with Agassi in the quarterfinals. If that should happen, a re-match of their US Open Series Rogers Cup final in Montreal would be in the offing.

Should Nadal survive that match-up, he could find Roddick in the semifinals. As an unseeded player in last year's US Open draw, Nadal lost in the second round to Roddick in straight sets, 6-0, 6-3, 6-4."

Lleyton defeated Davydenko 6-2 6-3 to set up a semifinal meeting with Andy Roddick. "It got better and better," said Hewitt, a two-time finalist in the event who is finally healthy

after a stomach virus last week. "It's the best that I've played all week, so that's a huge positive. It's good to play a guy like Davydenko. He's not easy, but you've got to play well to

beat him. It's good to see where your game's at and really test yourself a week before the Open."

Lleyton defeated defeated Croatian Mario Ancic 6-1 6-4 in an impressive display. He will play Davydenko in the quarterfinal.

"I really struggled on serve in my first two matches but it went a lot better today," said Hewitt, a losing finalist here in 2002 and 2004.

"I had to try for a high percentage of first serves to get as many cheap points points as possible."

Hewitt, forced to pull out last week for the second time in his career in his Montreal opener, said his fitness is improving by the day.

"Earlier, Lleyton Hewitt again showed his stomach for a scrap, battling back to beat Greg Rusedski 1-6 7-5 6-4.

Having been forced to withdraw from his opening match in Montreal last week because of a virus, the third-seeded Australian looked out of sorts as Rusedski romped through the opening set in 20 minutes.

Although the Briton had four chances to break in the second set, Hewitt snatched it with one break of his own.

He then repeated the feat in the third to clinch a meeting with Croatian Mario Ancic, who ousted 16th seed Richard Gasquet of France 6-4 7-6.

"He served extremely well," Hewitt said. "He didn't give as many cheap points as maybe he normally does, especially from the back of the court and on my service games.

"I just tried to make him play more as the match went on. I'm feeling better and better with every match."

"Third seed Lleyton Hewitt overcame Russian Igor Andreev 6-3 6-4 on Tuesday to reach the second round of the Cincinnati Masters.

The Australian, who retired from his first-round match with Frenchman Florent Serra in Montreal last week because of a stomach upset, looked back to full health as he clinched a meeting with Britain's Greg Rusedski or Dmitry Tursunov of Russia.

Sporting a black-and-white headband in the style of compatriot and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, Hewitt broke serve once in the first set.

Although he let slip a 5-2 lead in the second, he served out second time round to seal his first hardcourt win since March."

Lleyton retired from his 2nd rd match because of a stomach upset. He will play in Cincinnati next week.

Lleyton will play the qualifier Serra in the second rd of the Montreal Masters which starts today. He has a bye in the 1st rd.

Lleyton and Bec were married today at the Sydney Opera House. Guests were transported to the reception by a cruise boat while the bride and groom were being photographed. It is understood that the official exclusive photos were sold to a magazine. The reception is at Taronga Park Zoo where the venue offers views of Sydney Harbour. The bride was wearing an Alex Perry empire line white gown which featured a beaded ruched bodice and a flowing lace and chiffon skirt. John Farnham will sing at the reception. Best wishes to our Lleyts and Bec.

A stress-free David Nalbandian rode roughshod over a lacklustre Lleyton Hewitt to pilot Argentina to a watershed Davis Cup quarter-final victory over Australia today.

For the first time in history, Argentina finds itself official favourite to lift the Cup after the Nalbandian-inspired triumph on the specially-laid grass court at the Sydney International Tennis Centre.

Nalbandian, the undisputed hero for the South Americans with three wins in three days, seized a rare opportunity to beat an uncharacteristically flat Hewitt 6-2 6-4 6-4 to give Argentina an unassailable 3-1 lead in the marquee tie.

Guillermo Coria defeated Peter Luczak 6-3 7-6 (13-11) after the 25-year-old Australian was handed his Cup debut for the dead singles rubber.
"This is incredible. Not just to win three, but also the way we did it. It's a really amazing moment," Nalbandian said after ending Hewitt's five-year, 26-match winning streak in singles contests at the Olympic venue.

"I think Lleyton was very, very nervous and that helped me in the match. And the team is very strong so when I took the court I felt that if I don't win this match, Guillermo is going to win it anyway.

"STEVE Wood and Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia's new men at the top, had wanted a comfortable Davis Cup initiation. Into only their second week with TA, Wood and Tiley have been entrusted with the responsibility of resuscitating Australian tennis. The prognosis before this weekend was dire. It has now deteriorated to life-threatening. Despite its lean playing stocks, Australia entered the quarter-final tie as favourite to subdue what was always going to be a fierce Argentine challenge. Wood and Tiley have been around international tennis long enough to understand there are no guarantees at the highest level. And so it was at Olympic Park in Sydney, where Australia hoped a portable grasscourt, Lleyton Hewitt and Wayne Arthurs would be sufficient to topple the visitors. It wasn't. Apart from world No. 2 Hewitt, 34-year-old Arthurs (76th) is the only other Australian in the top 100. Argentina, which has never won the Davis Cup, has 10 players in the top 100 - including five in the top 15. With Todd Woodbridge now retired and Mark Philippoussis (ranked 207th) flitting around the hit-and-giggle World Team Tennis scene, Australia's weaknesses were rammed home. As harrowing as it was for Wood and Tiley to absorb, the message is clear. The pair must be given all the executive powers necessary to effect immediate change as the nation rebuilds its stocks. The system, defended for so long by self-interested, insular and irresponsible administrators, needs to be dismantled and replaced with the models which have made Argentina and Spain strong. Wood and Tiley have inherited a program smothered in decay. John Fitzgerald, Wally Masur, Hewitt and Arthurs are paying the price. Surgery is urgently required." The Daily Advertiser Adelaide

Argentina’s David Nalbandian and Mariano Puerta scored a stunning straight sets victory over the first-time pairing of Wayne Arthurs and Lleyton Hewitt of Australia to give their country an important 2-1 lead in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal tie in Sydney.

Earlier,David Nalbandian steered Argentina to victory in the suspended second singles rubber of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal tie against Australia defeating Wayne Arthurs 63 76(8) 57 62 in just over three hours.

"It was very tough yesterday and today I came back and played very good," said Nalbandian. "Now we have to win the doubles.

"For Davis Cup we are ready to do anything. I'll be ready for the doubles and for tomorrow with the reverse singles."

Lleyton Hewitt beat Guillermo Coria 7-6 6-1 1-6 6-2 Friday to give Australia an early lead over Argentina in their Davis Cup quarter-final at Sydney's Olympic tennis centre.Hewitt recovered from a slow start then survived a determined comeback from Coria to seal victory in a little under three hours and put Australia 1-0 ahead in the best-of-five-match tie.
There was no love lost between the pair, and the match threatened to boil over as Coria became increasingly irritated by Hewitt's on-court antics.
The tension only increased as the match went on with both players making crude gestures at each other. Hewitt eventually lost his cool and swore at Coria then insulted the umpire.
While Hewitt's tempestuous behaviour clearly upset the Argentinians, it had no impact on his own game and the capacity crowd loved every minute of it.
World number two Hewitt had made a slow start, dropping his second service game, but his combative nature helped him win the first set tiebreaker after Coria blew a 5-3 lead.
Hewitt broke the 15th-ranked Coria twice in the second set to grab a two-set lead but the South American fought back to win the third.
The opening exchanges of the fourth set were dominated by the increasing bitterness between the players but it was the Australian who regained his composure first to seal victory.

David Nalbandian was looking to square the tie with a 6-3 7-6 5-7 lead over Wayne Arthurs. Play was suspended because of dampness.

Lleyton and Bec are back in Sydney. Lleyton is practising for the Davis Cup tie against Argentina July 15-17. Wayne Arthurs, James Sekulov and Chris Guccione are the other team members. Wayne is expected to partner Lleyton in the doubles. He is also the number 2 singles player.

"Lleyton Hewitt did his best to be philosophical after his straight sets semi-final defeat to Roger Federer. But there was no concealing his disappointment.

"I've no doubt I'm the second best player around at the moment," said the No.3 seed after losing 3-6, 4-6, 6-7. "It's just that the best player is pretty bloody good.

"There's no doubt he was the better player today. He served better. He dictated play better. The biggest turnaround in his game over the last couple of years is that he used to give you a lot more cheap points on your service games, and you just don't get those anymore. On his own service he can rely on big serves to get him out of trouble at 0-30 or 15-30. That's why he's the best player around.

"I just have to keep biding my time, keep grinding away and looking for answers, I guess. I'm not sure there's anything I can add to my game to match him. Of course I'm always looking for ways to improve. I have to keep improving or else there's no point in continuing to play. I have small areas I can work on. But I don't know what Roger's got to work on. There's no doubt he's among the top few I've seen, up with the greats. It would be very hard to go against Roger winning the title again."

Hewitt did, however, manage to find something good in his eighth straight defeat to Federer, the fifth successive loss in which he had failed to relieve the Swiss of so much as one set.

"It's definitely a challenge," he said. "In some ways it's a huge positive that I can keep putting myself in these positions. I can't remember a time in the last 18 months that I've lost a bad match to an average player. But when you get to a Slam semi-final, you want to take the next step and hold up the trophy."

Lleyton will now head home to prepare for Davis Cup against Argentina July 15-17 in Sydney.

"Here we are again - the latter stages of a major event and Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Federer are squaring up to each other. Again. On Friday, the world No.1 and the former world No.1 will do battle in the semi finals - the 17th time they have met - and Hewitt will be hoping for his first win since 2003.

As Hewitt tried to point out, quietly, at the end of last year - had it not been for Roger Federer, he would have been the world No1. Six times the two met and six times Federer won. They met in the final of the Masters Cup, the final of the US Open and the quarter final here. Only once did Hewitt manage to take a set - and that was here.

That will, at least, give Hewitt hope that he can get close to Federer, as will his 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 win over Feliciano Lopez. With only a handful of errors in each set, the champion of 2002 was looking rather good."

"Lleyton Hewitt's bid for a second Wimbledon title to go with the one he won in 2002 moved a step nearer fulfillment at The Championships today when he repelled the serve-volley attack of Taylor Dent in impressive fashion,. 6-4 6-4 6-7(9) 6-3

This is the third time in five years Hewitt has got to the last eight, so he remains on course for a semi-final against the champion, Roger Federer, provided he can fight off the surprise surge of Spain's Feliciano Lopez in Wednesday's quarter-finals."

"Lleyton Hewitt reached the last 16 of Wimbledon for the fourth time in five years when he defeated lucky loser Justin Gimelstob 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 7-5 in a little over two and a half hours.

The Australian was roared on by a vociferous following which included his fiancee Bec Cartwright, the TV soap star. When Hewitt removed his white cap, worn back to front to salute his followers his smile was as wide as Sydney harbour.

Hewitt has been reluctant to become involved in the debate over his third seeding not reflecting his standing in the world rankings. The global No.2 chose to keep his thoughts to himself, electing to let his tennis do the talking. The 2002 champion reached the third round in good nick with victories against Christophe Rochus and Jan Hernych who took him to a fourth set.

Hewitt had been rusty coming into the tourmament. A foot operation in March was followed by the cracking of two ribs during an accident at home in Sydney. It all meant he was unable to play again until the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club two weeks ago."

"Lleyton Hewitt booked his place in the third round by beating Jan Hernych 6-2, 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. The Czech, ranked 66, made the third seed work hard in the middle phase of the match, but it was a losing battle.

Hernych got off to a depressing start, surrendering his serve immediately. Hewitt, on the other hand, was all instant confidence and authority despite the blazing summer heat of No.1 Court. Hernych could do little to halt the tide, and the set was gone inside the half hour."

"Impending fatherhood to look forward to, wedding arrangements to make and the small matter of a grand slam title to win - Lleyton Hewitt is a busy man at the moment.

As Bec Cartwright, soon to be Mrs Hewitt, looked on, her fiancé served his way into the second round, cruising past Christophe Rochus of Belgium 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. He pinged down 19 aces, 32 unreturnable serves and 43 clean winners. Against that sort of form, Rochus did not stand a chance." Lleyton will play Jan Hernych in the 2nd rd.

Lleyton commences his Wimbledon campaign tomorrow. He will play C Rochus at 1pm London time. He is the 3rd seed behind Federer and Roddick.

This page was not updated 7-18 June. Lleyton lost in the 3rd rd at Queens to Ivo Karlovic. He spent last week in training for Wimbledon. Bec joined him in London on Saturday.

Lleyton is in London preparing for the grass courts of Queens ( June 6) and Wimbledon ( June 20 ). Bec will join him in Britain after she finishes on "Home and Away" on June 17.

"AUSTRALIAN tennis star Lleyton Hewitt is out of the French Open. The World No.2 failed to recover from a rib injury sustained last week and confirmed tonight he would not take his place in the second grand slam of the year starting on Monday at Roland Garros.
"I have decided to take doctor's advice and not play next week as returning too early runs the risk of prolonging my recovery period," said Hewitt in a press release.
"This is obviously disappointing but I am taking a longer term approach.
"My sights are now firmly set on the forthcoming grasscourt season starting with Queen's and then Wimbledon, building up to our tough Davis Cup tie against Argentina in Sydney." Lleyton will practise on grass at White City with his coach Roger Rasheed until they depart for the UK.

"Lleyton Hewitt has cracked two ribs and is in doubt for the French Open tennis tournament that starts in 12 days.
Hewitt last night withdrew from next week's World Team Cup in Germany, where he was to lead the Australian team, reports say.
He damaged his ribs on Monday in a fall at his Palm Beach, Sydney, home.
The South Australian had been preparing to return to competition after recent toe surgery.
"It is an unfortunate mishap and very disappointing," his manager, Roger Rasheed, is quoted as saying.
"We will do our best to be ready for the French Open."
Hewitt made the quarter-finals there last year and failure to protect those ranking points could affect his hopes to be seeded No.2 for Wimbledon. "

"LLEYTON Hewitt has pulled out of next week's ATP tour event in Hamburg with a toe injury. "I am really disappointed that I can not take part," said Hewitt. "I enjoy playing in this tournament but will have to sit it out this time around."
The Australian Open finalist has recently withdrawn from events in Miami, Monte Carlo and Rome due to injuries. The world No.3 has set his sights on being fit for the World Team Cup in Dusseldorf, from May 15 to May 21.

Sunday May 1

Lleyton accompanied Bec to the Logies, Australias TV awards evening. Bec received a Silver Logie for most popular actress. She was nominated for the Gold Logie however this honour went to Rove McManus.

Lleyton will make his return at the Hamburg Masters May 9. He has been practising at Homebush for the Masters Series which will be his first tournament since Indian Wells. He will then join his Australian team mates for the World Team Cup in Dusseldorf before tackling the French Open where he lost in the quarters last year.

Lleyton and Bec have bought a beach side property at Palm Beach. see articles page

Thursday April 7

"LLEYTON Hewitt and Bec Cartwright will visit the site of the planned orphanage they will help build in Cambodia after Wimbledon this year.
Cartwright has been granted special leave by the producers of Home and Away to attend Wimbledon and the orphanage site, which is in a remote part of northern Cambodia.
The engaged couple will raise money for the project as ambassadors for the AIDS Trust of Australia.
Cartwright has already donated $41,000 from her appearance on Dancing With The Stars.
The couple also donated what was believed to be a six-figure sum from interviews they sold to New Idea and Channel 7.
The CEO of AIDS Trust Australia, Terry Trethowan, said the current orphanage housed 62 children affected by HIV-AIDS. Conditions are clean but very poor.
He said most days, the children were fed a minimal serving of fish and rice.
"The money raised will help build accommodation, play areas, vegetable gardens, and a school to skill the kids up," Mr Trethowan said.
The AIDS Trust will host a cocktail function in the couple's honour in Sydney next Monday.
Hewitt is preparing to film a cameo role on Home and Away this week.
Cartwright is favourite to take out the Gold Logie at Crown casino on May 2.
Nominations for the Logies are to be announced on Monday.
She faces stiff competition from John Wood, Bridie Carter, and multiple winners Georgie Parker and Rove McManus. "

Wednesday March 23

"LLEYTON Hewitt could be sidelined for up to six weeks with a toe injury.
The world No.2 yesterday withdrew from the rich Nasdaq-100 in Miami after severely injuring toes on his right foot in Indian Wells last week. It is understood some of his toenails have lifted and split because of the lack of give on hardcourts.
Hewitt returned to Australia yesterday to receive treatment from Davis Cup doctor David Brooks. He aggravated the problem during a tight three-set semi-final victory over Andy Roddick - now the most likely beneficiary of his absence from the tour.
While the Australian extended his rankings gap over the American by reaching the Indian Wells final, he has now left the door ajar for Roddick to reclaim the world No.2 position. Hewitt leads by 450 rankings points in the entry system - 4305 to 3955 - but a long lay-off will allow Roddick to close quickly.
The Australian Open finalist is not expected back on tour until the Hamburg Masters series in May. He will use the German claycourt event to prepare for the Arag World Team Cup in Dusseldorf ahead of the French Open. He will then lay siege to a second Wimbledon title. Apart from helping Australia to a 5-0 Davis Cup thrashing of Austria in Sydney, Hewitt has been in superb form this season.
Assessing his current form to be the equal of that he produced during a two-year stint as world No. 1, he has built an 18-3 record this season.
The right-hander has contested just four events, reaching three finals.
Beaten in the Adelaide quarter-finals by Taylor Dent, Hewitt won a fourth Sydney crown before losing the Melbourne Park final to Marat Safin.
He was beaten at Indian Wells by nemesis Roger Federer.
Hewitt reached the third round in Miami last season."

Monday March 21

"Lleyton Hewitt, who would have been seeded second at the Nasdaq-100 Open on Key Biscayne, has withdrawn from the tournament, likely because of injuries to both toes. His representatives did not immediately offer a public statement, but he played with the injuries Sunday in a straight set loss to Roger Federer in the Indian Wells final.

His absence kicks Andy Roddick, the part-time Boca Raton resident, up to No. 2 seed, and that guarantees that Roddick would not have to play No. 1 Roger Federer before the final.

Hewitt's injured toes became a problem midway through the third set of his semifinal match against Roddick at Indian Wells. He said Sunday the right toe was worse than the left.

"It's all inflamed," he said. "Nail is going left, right and center," he said. "It's happened a fair few times in the past, but this is probably as bad as it's been."

Sunday March 20

Once again Lleyton was defeated in a final by Roger Federer. "Roger Federer is all alone at the top -- by several notches.
The world's top-ranked player, looking virtually unstoppable these days, rolled to a straight-sets victory over Lleyton Hewitt on Sunday to successfully defend his Pacific Life Open title.
Federer broke the second-ranked Australian's serve in the opening game and was in control the rest of the way in a 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 victory."

Saturday March 19

Lleyton Hewitt survived 25 aces to defeat Andy Roddick 7-6(3), 6-7(2), 7-6(4) and set up a blockbuster showdown with defending champion Roger Federer in Sunday's Pacific Life Open final in Indian Wells.

Hewitt and Roddick traded breaks in the second set. They were the only breaks in the match as Hewitt saved eight of nine break points and Roddick saved six of seven.

Hewitt, champion in the desert in 2003 and 2004, improved to 6-1 lifetime against Roddick.

Hewitt said: “Any time you play a third-set tie-breaker, it's a lucky door prize a little bit. You have to go out there, try to get off to a pretty good start. We were both able to do that. I just felt like I dictated play, you know, when I needed to; I hustled when I needed to; I got those extra balls back when I needed to. You know, under the circumstances I played a pretty good tie-break, I think.

“The match as it was, he served extremely well. Had a lot of opportunities to break out there tonight. I think the first four or five early in the third set, he hit aces on every one of them. He really didn't give me too many opportunities on second serves. I don't know what the stats were, but I felt like on most of his second serves, I was, you know, winning the majority of the points out there tonight. I was waiting for my opportunities on the big points, and to his credit he came up with some big serves.”

Roddick said: “I was playing patterns a lot better. You know, I stuck in points a little longer. I thought I was coming to the net. With the exception of the first set, I was very successful doing that. But I kept to it and I tried to really stick to it. I mixed up my serve a little bit better, not just going for the huge one every time.”

“I can take a lot of positives out of this. Obviously, it's a loss and it's terrible, but I feel a lot better about this one than I do some others because I feel like I actually played pretty well.”

Andre Agassi has been forced to withdraw from the Pacific Life Open because he has injured his left big toe. Agassi said he has no explanation as to how it happened or what the problem really is. He said he was in pain last night while sleeping and tried to ignore it and get his rest but when he woke up in the morning the toe was double the size and very painful. His movement was restricted.

Agassi will have an MRI done to determine what the problem is. He was due to play Lleyton Hewitt in the quarterfinals. It would have been their ninth match with their head-to-head standing at 4-4. Hewitt receives a walkover into the semis.

Agassi announced his decision to withdraw to fans on center court, who gave the 2001 champion a standing ovation. Agassi had never before given a walkover to an opponent.

"I thought it was possibly an ingrown nail, something I was not trying to wake up to assess it, I was trying to get my rest," said Agassi. "Woke up this morning, it was blown up like a balloon. I can't bend it or move it.
So it's quite painful when I maneuver it manually. It's impossible for me to do anything. It's very disappointing.

"I'm going to go see if it's possibly a tendon that connects around that joint area or just a capsule of the joint. But, you know, all they can say is that that kind of quick inflammation and swelling is a result of your body trying to protect something pretty serious."

No. 2 Lleyton Hewitt, the tournament champion in 2001 and 2002, cruised through his match, beating Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-1, 6-0.

``He's a gutsy competitor. He just made a lot of errors out there today,'' Hewitt said. ``I felt like I was dictating play well from the back of the court.''

Lleyton defeated Llodra 6-2 7-6 and will play either Mathieu or Hernych on Thursday.

"He's awkward to play because you really don't know what's coming," Hewitt said. "It is a matter of trying to get your rhythm out there and just make him play a lot of balls."The former world number one Hewitt committed just 12 unforced errors against the hard-serving Frenchman in Tuesday's 89 minute match."He's the one trying to pull the trigger all the time," Hewitt said. "He comes up with some great winners and then he's going to make a lot of unforced errors as well. You just have to try and weather the storm."

"Lleyton Hewitt started off very well against Robby Ginepri in the second round of the Pacific Life Open but the American worked his way back into the match before the Australian asserted his dominance in a second set tiebreak for the match 6-2, 7-6.

Hewitt said the windy conditions certainly made things difficult. He also said being off the tour for a few weeks and then played a Davis Cup tie on grass, so to comeback on hardcourt was not easy. Ginepri was also going for his shots in the second set, he had nothing to lozse after getting beaten so handily in the first set.

Hewitt said being late at night the atmosphere was understandbly not quite the same as the recent Australian Open where he was the home country hero.

"I had to try and get myself motivated and hang in there in the second set," said Hewitt. "The wind was a real equaliser. I felt like I was a lot better player but on the scoreboard it didn't quite show."

Australia led 3-0 yesterday after Wayne and Todd defeated the Austrians in the doubles in 5 sets. Today both Todd Woodbridge and Chris Guccione won their singles matches to take the score to 5-0. This was 19 yr old Chris's DC debut. He did us proud with his wonderful serve and volley style. Some of his serves were 230kmh.

"Lleyton Hewitt and Wayne Arthurs had Australia bound for the Davis Cup quarter-finals after surging to straight-sets singles wins on day one of the first-round grasscourt tie against Austria today.

Hewitt, the world No.2, outclassed 144th-ranked Alexander Peya 6-2 6-3 6-4 before the rejuvenated Arthurs turned the screws with a memorable 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-4 defeat of Austrian No.1 Jurgen Melzer.

Australia can clinch a last-eight showdown with Argentina or the Czech Republic with victory in tomorrow's doubles at the Sydney International Tennis Centre.
Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge were named on Thursday to play Peya and Julian Knowle in the potentially decisive third rubber, but Australian captain John Fitzgerald said a team talk tonight would determine whether or not Hewitt was called on for doubles duty.

Arthurs rode the high of his breakthrough ATP title success in Scottsdale on Sunday to upstage Melzer, a player ranked 31 places above him at world No.34.
But the veteran left-hander, who turns 34 this month, may be rested from the doubles after having just two days to recover from his long-haul flight back from the US.
Both Hewitt and Arthurs said they were feeling strong enough to partner Woodbridge.

"At the moment, I'm planning that Wayne and Todd will play," Hewitt said.
"They're the two that were named. I will still prepare myself for the fourth rubber like it's going to be a live match against Melzer. But if they decide to put me in, I'm feeling fresh enough after today's match."
Hewitt's effortless win over Peya was his 24th straight at the venue and enhanced his record as the most successful singles player in Australian Davis Cup history."

Thursday March 3

"SYDNEY, March 3 AAP - World No.3 Lleyton Hewitt will open the Australian Davis Cup campaign in its first round tie against Austria at the Sydney International Tennis Centre tomorrow.

The South Australian plays Alexander Peya in the opening rubber before rangy left-armer Wayne Arthurs takes on Austrian No.1 Jurgen Melzer in tomorrow's other singles rubber.

Arthurs, who won his first ATP singles title in Arizona last weekend, will also be involved in the doubles on Saturday. He will partner Todd Woodbridge against the Austrian pair of Julian Knowle and Peya ahead of Sunday's reverse singles. Australia last won the Cup in 2003."

Lleyton celebrated his 24th birthday on February 24. He has been practising in Sydney for the Davis Cup 1st rd tie which is on March 4-6 at the Sydney International Tennis Centre. the tie will be played on grass. Joining Lleyton in the DC team will be Scott Draper, Wayne Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge.

Lleyton and Bec today celebrated their engagement with family and friends at an Adelaide hills restaurant 'Maximilians'. They have also agreed to be interviewed by Channel 7. The fee for the interview is to be used to construct an orphanage for children in Cambodia. See articles section

"LOVEBIRDS Lleyton Hewitt and Bec Cartwright have been reunited in Sydney after spending days apart in the wake of their surprise engagement. The couple were engaged late on Sunday night after Hewitt's defeat in the Australian Open but then just as surprisingly went their separate ways the next morning.
Cartwright returned to work filming Home and Away in Sydney while Hewitt stayed in Melbourne.
But Hewitt has headed north to join Cartwright and they strolled the streets of Avalon together, chatting with fans and signing autographs. Cartwright happily showed off the $220,000 diamond engagement ring to a few inquisitive fans -- but turned the massive rock into her palm when a photographer approached.
The pair stopped off in Cafe Ibiza before chatting with local identity Lucky from popular pizza bar Lucky & Peps in Barrenjoey Rd, Newport.
And rather than a romantic dinner at a fine eatery to celebrate their reunion, the two instead shared Thai takeaway."

This was not updated 22-31 January as I was on vacation. Many thanks to Robyn Lakeman for updating the site during the Australian Open. She did a wonderful job!

Lleyton almost fulfilled his dream! While he was defeated by Safin in the final, Lleyton once again has made us proud. His matches against Nadal, Chela Nalbandian and Roddick were all examples of his grit and determination. I dont think there is another player on tour who has Lleyton's mental strength.

On Sunday evening after the final, Lleyton became engaged to actor Bec Cartwright. Congratulations to them both! Bec is an actor on Channel 7's Home and Away.

Lleyton will now stay in Australia to prepare for the Davis Cup tie against Austria March 4-6 Sydney.

"One point away from falling down two sets, Hewitt battled back to defeat gutsy American James Blake, 4-6, 7-6 (10-8), 6-0, 6-3, in a tense second-round match Thursday at the Australian Open.

Coming off a difficult 2004 season on and off the court, Blake could not close out the second set after being up 6-5 on serve. The third-seeded Hewitt took control after a dramatic tiebreaker in which each player had set points. " Lleyton will play Chela on Saturday.

Lleyton swept past Clement in 3 sets 6-3 6-4 6-1. He will play James Blake in round 2.

Lleyton defeated Ivo Minar 7-5 6-0 to win his 24th title. Hewitt raced to a 5-0 lead, but Minar rallied to tie it at 5. ``It was a strange match ... momentum swings,'' Hewitt said. ``I felt like I came out of the blocks extremely well, but then he loosened up a bit. When he got back to 5-5, I had to try to settle down and take it up a notch, and I was able to do that.''
``I wasn't doing anything special,'' Minar said. ``He (Hewitt) was playing some bad shots.''

In the extreme Sydney heat, Lleyton prevailed over Mirnyi 6-7 6-3 6-2. It was a high quality, entertaining match with both players serving well however Mirnyi wilted in the final set. Lleyton made only 9 errors and hit 13 aces. He will play Ivo Minar, a qualifier, in tomorrows final. the Australian open draw was done today. Lleyton will play Arnaud Clement in the opening round, probably on Tuesday or Wednesday. He has faced Clement twixe in the past 2 weeks defeating him on both occasions.

Lleyton defeated Johansson in straight sets 6-1 7-6(4). Lleyton played well and did not lose his serve nor face break point during the match. If his serve remains on song he should defeat Max Mirnyi tomorrow in the semi final.

Lleyton defeated Clement 6-2 6-4. He trailed 4-1 in the second set before winning 5 consecutive games. Lleyton served a few too many double faults today. He will play the big serving Thomas Johansson tomorrow.

Lleyton cruised to a 6-1 6-2 victory over Karol Beck in his opening match in Sydney.

Lleyton was defeated by Taylor Dent 7-6(4) 6-3. The heavier conditions suited the talented big serving Dent, while Lleyton did not return as well as he had the previous evening. Lleyton will now travel to Sydney to prepare for the tournament stating Monday.

World No.3 Lleyton Hewitt powered into the quarterfinals of the Next Generation Hardcourts tonight, completely blitzing Argentine's Agustin Calleri 6-1 6-4. He will play either Dent or Benneteau in the quarters on Friday.

"Lleyton Hewitt opened his 2005 singles season with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 win over French qualifier Arnaud Clement in a first-round match Tuesday at the Australian men's hardcourt tennis championships.

Hewitt had a series of early unforced errors and dropped four consecutive games in the first set. He found his rhythm in the second, taking the final five games and serving out the set with an ace.

Hewitt broke Clement with a well-placed backhand lob in the opening game of the third set and kept the momentum." He will play Argentinian Agustin Calleri in the 2nd rd on Thursday.

"Lleyton Hewitt opened his Next Generation Hardcourts campaign at Memorial Drive, Adelaide, today with a tight three set doubles encounter partnering his coach, Roger Rasheed. Hewitt, 23, and Rasheed, 35, played a fierce match against experienced doubles players Jordan Kerr (SA) and Jim Thomas (USA), eventually falling 7-6(3) 6-7(3) 6-2 in two hours, 17 minutes."It’s a bit of fun. If I get an opportunity to play a doubles match before my singles, I’ve always done it," said Hewitt, who dropped his serve only once the entire match, in the sixth game of the final set. "For me it’s more about the conditions and playing a proper match and getting that feel and tension again, and serving on big points. It was good to get to play a couple of breakers out there. They’re the big points and that’s when you want to come out and play your best tennis."

The world No.3 and top seed in Adelaide will play 2001 Australian Open finalist Arnaud Clement of France in his opening singles match tomorrow night."

"World number three tennis player Lleyton Hewitt will play a qualifier first up in the men's Australian Hardcourt tournament starting on Monday. But he is seeded to face big-serving American Taylor Dent in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Adelaide's Paul Baccanello has been given a wildcard in the men's draw. He will skip this weekend's qualifiers, benefiting from Wayne Arthurs's automatic entry, following an injury to Frenchman Jerome Haehnel. Baccanello says he is looking forward to playing at full fitness after an ongoing groin injury last year." see interview Dec 30

Match Summary
	Clement (FRA)	Hewitt (AUS)

1st Serve %	38 of 72 = 53 %	52 of 79 = 66 %
Aces	2	12
Double Faults	1	2
Unforced Errors	32	23
Winning % on 1st Serve	26 of 38 = 68 %	45 of 52 = 87 %
Winning % on 2nd Serve	15 of 33 = 45 %	12 of 25 = 48 %
Winners (Including Service)	15	28
Receiving Points Won	22 of 77 = 29 %	31 of 71 = 44 %
Break Point Conversions	0 of 1 = 0 %	5 of 8 = 63 %
Net Approaches	13 of 22 = 59 %	14 of 14 = 100 %
Total Points Won	63	88
Fastest Serve	210 km/h	209 km/h
Average 1st Serve Speed	186 km/h	188 km/h
Average 2nd Serve Speed	149 km/h	149 km/h