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February 1

Lleyton and the team have flown to Belgium for Davis Cup rd 1

January 20

Lleyton was defeated by Fernando Gonzales in 4 sets in the third rd of the Australian Open. His next tournament will be 1st rd Davis Cup Belgium Feb 9-11.

January 18

Lleyton defeated Frank Dancevic 6-4 6-4 3-6 6-4. Not his best serving day however he is still winning and getting the match play he so desperately needs.

January 16

Top local hope Lleyton Hewitt survived an almighty scare on Day Two of Australian Open 2007, with American qualifier Michael Russell taking a two-set lead before the South Australian reeled him to progress 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

The No.19 seed looked set for a quick exit from the tournament down two sets and a break in the third, but displayed his trademark grit and determination to fight his way back into the match.

It seems blowing out the cobwebs with a grueling five-setter has become part of Hewitt's Australian Open ritual, and he certainly looked a little rusty early on while Russell was right on top of his game.

The turning point in the match came when Hewitt broke the American in the eighth game of the third set to go up 5-3 and wrest the momentum from his opponent.

Two breaks of serve gave the South Australian the fourth set, but it only took one for him to serve out the match in the fifth, much to the delight of the parochial crowd.

Each player had nine break-point opportunities during the match, but Hewitt managed to convert seven of his to Russell's six with the No.19 seed also gaining an edge at the net where he won 29 points to the American's 17.

January 14

Lleyton plays Michael Russell, a qualifier on Tuesday evening, second match. Play starts at 7.30pm.

January 12

AUSTRALIAN'S top-ranked players, Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur, will both start their Australian Open campaign against qualifiers.

For Hewitt, Australia's only realistic championship prospect,  a tricky  draw on paper could end up as a comparatively comfortable run to the semi-finals.

Hewitt, the 19th seed, appears in the same quarter of the draw as world No.2 Rafael Nadal, fifth seed James Blake and 10th seed Fernando Gonzalez.

With the exception of Nadal, whom he would meet in the quarter-final, it could be reasonable to expect Hewitt to take care of the others.

And if Nadal hasn't made a full recovery from the injury that stopped him in Sydney, the Spaniard too will be vulnerable.

As it is, Nadal has to get through a round-one match against American Robert Kendrick, who took him to five sets at Wimbledon last year.

Hewitt begins the Open against a qualifier and then heads toward a third round match against an 18-year-old who has been tagged as potentially his country's greatest player.

Argentinian Juan Martin Del Potro finished 2006 as the youngest player in the world top 100.

At No.91 he shouldn't pose a big problem for Hewitt, but there are few small problems in a grand slam draw.

At the other end of the men's draw, world No.1 Roger Federer shouldn't be required to produce his best tennis until the second week.

January 11

SCOTT Draper made his public debut in his new role at Melbourne Park today . . . as Lleyton Hewitt's coach.

He did little more than toss balls to Australia's No. 1 player as he practised on Rod Laver Arena. But he did it with the care and concern of someone whose livelihood, if not his personal safety, depended on it.

Draper took over as Hewitt's coach earlier this week after his predecessor, Roger Rasheed, walked out after more than three years in the job.

For today's practice session, Draper was joined by fellow Aussie pro Peter Luczak, Brett Smith, the son of Hewitt's first coach Peter Smith and physiotherapist Dean Ellis.

While the demands on Draper were small, Hewitt gave himself a vigorous workout.

His split with Rasheed had coincided with an injury to his right calf, but the problem didn't appear to trouble Hewitt today.

As the session progressed, Hewitt ran for more balls and displayed good touch.

His injured leg wasn't strapped and he didn't appear to be restricted in any way.

The trouble-free session will be good news for Australian Open organisers, who received news today that Venus Williams had ruled herself out of the Open.

The championship has already lost world No.1 Justine Henin-Hardenne, while men's No. 2 Rafael Nadal is in doubt as is No. 3, Russia's Nikolay Davydenko.

While Hewitt slipped from fourth in the world at the start of last year to 20th at its end, he still carries the hopes of a country that hasn't supplied the winner of its national championship in 31 years.

January 10

THE tennis coaching drama surrounding Lleyton Hewitt didn't seem to affect his mood at a South Yarra restaurant.

Hewitt, wife Bec, daughter Mia and three others dined on Monday night at the Fiesta Mexican restaurant, a regular haunt for the player during the Australian Open.

"They seemed to be in very good spirits, as if nothing at all was wrong," one diner told The Eye.

The restaurant confirmed that the Hewitt clan was in for dinner and that they were "very happy".

Lleyton had a Hewitt Burrito, which he created himself after getting to know the management over the years.

It's a chicken-based meal.

The Hewitts are expected to head to the restaurant again during his Open campaign.

Bec, as usual, is expected to be in the stands at every match.

January 8

Scott Draper will  coach Lleyton during the Australian Open lead up and the tournament. It is not a long term arrangement. Lleyton asked Pat Rafter on Friday if he would be interested in the position, however Pat has family commitments which prevented him from accepting the role.

January 6

Lleyton has pulled out of the Sydney International, citing a calf injury.

January 5

ADELAIDE, Australia: Former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt will be looking for a new coach after Roger Rasheed said Friday he was ending his relationship with the two-time Grand Slam champion.

"This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make, but one I felt I had no choice but to make," Rasheed said in a statement. "Within the current environment, I don't believe it is possible for us to get the results we are looking for.

"The timing is not ideal, but I feel that it is in both of our best interests that this decision not be delayed."

Russian baseliner Igor Kunitsyn beat hometown favorite Hewitt in a round-robin match at the Adelaide International on Thursday, knocking Hewitt out of the Australian Open warmup tournament.

Australian Associated Press reported Friday that Hewitt glared at Rasheed during the latter stages of his loss to Kunitsyn, and that Hewitt and Rasheed argued after the match.

Rasheed and his wife recently became parents, but he said that had not played a part in his decision.

His departure ends a three-year association which saw Hewitt slip from No. 1 in the world to 20. Hewitt also failed to add to his two Grand Slams — at the 2001 U.S. Open when coached by former Australian player Darren Cahill, and Wimbledon 2002 under another former Australian player, Jason Stoltenberg.

In his statement, Rasheed said he still felt Hewitt was capable of winning another major, but not while they continued to work together.

"I believe in Lleyton as a player and still believe he's capable of winning Grand Slams, but I feel the only way I can make a positive change to his environment, and mine, is to walk away from one of the great coaching jobs," he said.

Rasheed said he would be happy to take on another coaching job.

"I have also thoroughly enjoyed my time on the road and even though my wife and I have just become parents, I wouldn't hesitate to jump back into a similar role, as this is the easiest time to travel with a family," he said.

January 4

Lleyton Hewitt's road to the Australian Open struck a pothole tonight when he allowed history to repeat in losing to Russian Igor Kunitsyn in the Adelaide International at Memorial Drive.

In 2006 Hewitt’s campaign suffered a shock three-set loss to German Philipp Kohlschreiber, and a year on the same thing has happened, Kunitsyn coming from behind to win 4-6 7-6(4) 6-4 in a tick under three hours.

Even when winning the first set, Hewitt had shown a tendency to wait for Kunitsyn (pictured) to make a mistake rather than driving the points, and when his opponent improved he became worryingly error strewn.

Hewitt served a pair of slack double faults to give up the second set lead, then was weighed down by errant shots in the tiebreak.

Set three provided more of the same, as Hewitt gave up a first game break and was broken again by a now thriving Kunitsyn to lose the match.

January 3
 

LLEYTON Hewitt last night showed why he was once the world's premier returner with an Adelaide International destruction of Janko Tipsarevic.

Sidelined since September with patella tendinitis, Hewitt opened his 2007 push for a third major in explosive fashion, pummelling Tipsarevic 6-1 4-2 before the Serb retired with a right thigh strain.

Ranked 64th in the world and armed with recent wins against Andy Murray and Paradorn Srichaphan, Tipsarevic was torn apart by Hewitt as he struggled with the injury.

If Hewitt can beat Russian Igor Kunitsyn tomorrow, he will reach the quarter-finals.

Tipsarevic summoned the trainer to centre court at 0-2 in the second set before emerging to hold serve for the first time in a lop-sided contest.

The right-hander later said he had suffered the injury in the opening game of the match. The Belgrade baseliner battled valiantly as Hewitt controlled the match with his famed returns, while also revealing a punchier serve, hammering out a nine aces.

Tipsarevic retired after 58 minutes, but not before Hewitt had underlined his Australian Open claims.

"I haven't played my best tennis in Adelaide for a couple of years now, so it's good," Hewitt said.

"The body felt great tonight.

"I had to take eight weeks off after Davis Cup in Argentina, that set me back a bit, and I've been looking forward to these next four weeks for 2-3 months now."

Tipsarevic could not hold serve in the first set as Hewitt dominated the Serb with a heady blend of pace changes, angles and spins.

Hewitt produced five aces in the first set, twice serving his way out of testing situations with heavy bombs.

Hewitt was at his feisty best, scrambling to retrieve while under extreme pressureand twice cracking Tipsarevic with dogged chases.

He secured the first set in 28 minutes and the demolition continued into the second, with Hewitt pouncing immediately to break serve as Tipsarevic's resistance faded.

Plagued by persistent knee soreness through the north American summer, Hewitt prematurely ended his season after losing to Argentina's Jose Acasuso in the Davis Cup semi-final, triggering a rankings slide to 20th in the world.

On the strength of last night's display -- he lost only two points against his first serve for the match -- a return to the top 10 will come sooner than later.

November 29

Happy 1st birthday Mia!!! Photos and article in Womans Day - see article and photos section of web site.

November 28

Lleyton has a new manager, Justin Cohen. Cohen replaces Rob Aivatoglou as personal and commercial manager at Lleyton Hewitt Marketing, and he will eventually establish a new management company with Hewitt.

"Aside from the commercial and personal management of Lleyton and Bec Hewitt, Cohen, in partnership with Lleyton Hewitt, will also establish a sports and marketing company responsible for the management of other high-profile athletes, personalities and events," a company statement said.

see articles page.

November 7

Lleyton and Bec were at the Melbourne Cup race day. There are photos at Newspix and Getty images web sites. Bec is co-hosting Abbamania on Channel 9 Sunday night 12th Nov.

November 3

LLEYTON Hewitt's father Glynn has emerged as the undisputed power player of the Hewitt clan, striking a $1 million-plus magazine deal for his television star daughter-in-law Bec and managing the affairs of the tennis star.

The former Home and Away actress has signed on for another 12 months of riveting diary entries in Woman's Day, giving it photographic access to her daughter Mia as she grows between the ages of one and two.  see articles page

October 31

Lleyton has sacked his manager Rob Aivatoglou. see articles page

October 6
 

LLEYTON Hewitt yesterday formalised familiar plans for 2007 after doctors dropped the curtain on his troubled season.

Hewitt, 25, will not play again this season after being ordered to rest until mid-November, in the hope of overcoming patella tendinitis.

That leaves him no chance to force his way into the Tennis Masters Cup, and means he will miss the season-ending European indoor sweep and the chance to improve his ranking of 18.

Hewitt's hopes of regaining a top-10 berth will revolve around January's Australian circuit.

He will resume in the Adelaide International at Memorial Drive on January 1-7 before tackling the Sydney International on January 7-13.

He will then venture to Melbourne Park for another tilt at the Australian Open (January 15-28).

Hewitt's modest Australian summer circuit haul this year - second-round defeat, quarter-final loss and second-round disappointment - means he has virtually no ranking pressure ahead.

"Playing at Memorial Drive in front of my home town is always a great way to start off the new year," the dual Adelaide champion said.

"Obviously, Adelaide is where I broke through for my first professional title and I just love playing here.

"It is so important to get your preparation right for a grand slam and I think starting the year at Adelaide will set me up for a strong Australian Open campaign."

Tournament directors Peter Johnston and Mark Woodforde are negotiating with several highly ranked players for the Adelaide tournament, including world No.19 Andy Murray.

September 24
 

CONDEMNED to months of contemplation after a semi-final drubbing, Australia's Davis Cup team yesterday stumbled into an uncertain future.

Spearhead Lleyton Hewitt is unlikely to play again this season, Mark Philippoussis will return to the secondary Challenger circuit and veteran Wayne Arthurs might have played his last tie.

And, apart from Chris Guccione, the amount of Cup talent on the horizon is decidedly thin - so much so Australia was last night considering giving doubles specialist Paul Hanley a run in the dead reverse singles.

Argentina's unassailable 3-0 lead signalled the end of Australia's 2006 campaign as the jubilant South Americans advanced to December's final against either Russia or the United States.

And while Australian captain John Fitzgerald will next week look to the 2007 draw in Rome with trademark optimism, there are worrying clouds of doubt over his team.

Hewitt was last night preparing to fly back to Sydney for treatment on his sore right knee.

He has been told the joint requires at least five weeks rest to recover from patella tendinitis.

Given the time frame involved, the baseliner would be left with virtually no opportunity - nor the incentive - to play again this year.

The former world champion was shattered after losing in five sets for the first time since the 2003 French Open (Tommy Robredo) to flashy Juan Acasuso. "Any Davis Cup loss is disappointing, whether it's the first round or a final," he said, confirming his withdrawal from the Thailand Open this week because of the military coup.

Hewitt's defeat was a virtual death warrant for Australia after Philippoussis' straight-sets failure against David Nalbandian.

And it prefaced an almost inevitable 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 doubles loss by Arthurs and Hanley to talismanic Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri.

The loss might also have marked the last live Cup rubber Arthurs, 35, will contest. "I'm going to have a discussion with my friends and family around me. I'll have a discussion with Fitzy also, at the end of the year," he said of his plans.

September 23

BUENOS AIRES, Sept 23 AAP - Argentina is through to its first Davis Cup final in 25 years after taking an unassailable 3-0 lead over Australia in their semi-final tie in Buenos Aires.
Jose Acasuso completed a rain-delayed 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-1 victory over Lleyton Hewitt in the second singles rubber today before David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri downed Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the doubles.

September 22

Argentina is poised to take a stranglehold on the claycourt tie when play resumed tomorrow after world No.4 David Nalbandian crushed Mark Philippoussis 6-4 6-3 6-3 and Jose Acasuso led Lleyton Hewitt 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-2 4-0 in the second singles rubber.

Unless Hewitt somehow pulls off a Houdini-like escape against Acasuso, the Australian pair of Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley must win tomorrow's doubles against Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri to keep the best-of-five-match semi-final alive.

September 20

The Australian team woke up today to find that Lleyton Hewitt was the toast of Buenos Aires, with headlines in the sports pages praising the South Australian for his behaviour.

The headline in La Nacion proclaimed "Hewitt, el amigo de los Chicos" (Hewitt the friend of the children") whilst the other major newspaper, Clarin, went the extra yard and took a swipe at their own No.1 player with "Hewitt esta amable, pero Nalbandian no le sonrie" (Hewitt is friendly but Nalbandian doesn't smile at him").

For Hewitt, the title of 'amigo de los chicos' won't count for for much when he steps out into an expected cauldron on Friday for singles duty but in terms of winning the PR battle in the lead up, it was a major coup. Nalbandian, by contrast, is being viewed by the local media as being dismissive of the Australian threat and further fanning the flames with negative comments about his opponent.

For the Optus Australian Davis Cup team it was back down to business today with an early morning practice session for Hewitt against Peter Luczak before teaming up with coach Roger Rasheed for a doubles workout on the centre court with Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley. 

Hewitt began his warm up sporting his beloved Adelaide Crows jersey to ward off the early morning chill in Buenos Aires with the weather forecast for the weekend predicting possible rain overnight on Friday and a drop in temperature from around 26 degrees centrigrade to a cooler 19.  Inside the stadium the atmosphere is predicted to be a lot hotter, with a sell out crowd likely to give the Australians little quarter.

September 19

Lleyton Hewitt got his first taste of playing in front of an Argentine crowd in the new Parque Roca stadium today and the reception he received couldn't have been friendlier.  Almost 6,000 schoolchildren, mainly from disadvantaged schools around Buenos Aires, had gathered in the stadium to watch the teams practice for what has become a traditional Kids Day at Davis Cup Ties here in Argentina.

In what was a grey and overcast morning, Hewitt was first on court hitting with Peter Luczak under the watchful eye of Optus Australian Team captain John Fitzgerald and coach Roger Rasheed.  Cheered on by the children, Luczak gave his fellow countryman a solid workout with Hewitt rounding off the session by hitting balls into the delighted crowd.

September 12

LLEYTON Hewitt, Australia's most successful Davis Cup player, leads the team for next week's semi-final with Argentina in Buenos Aires.

Hewitt was named today in captain John Fitzgerald's four-man squad, along with the returning Mark Philippoussis and doubles pairing Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley.

Philippoussis is set to fill the second singles role for the eagerly-awaited claycourt tie.

Australia's hopes of reaching the final are boosted considerably by the inclusion of Hewitt, who boasts a record 28 Cup wins.

While troubled by injury, he had previously expressed reservations about playing in the tie because of security concerns.

Argentina will name its team tomorrow morning.

September 6

LLEYTON Hewitt's bid to repeat his US Open triumph of 2001 is over after he was dusted down in straight sets by home favourite Andy Roddick today. Hewitt lost in straight sets 3-6 5-7 4-6 and had no answers to Roddick's power game at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 24-year-old American, who recently took on US legend Jimmy Connors as his coach, was in inspired form, belting 17 aces past Hewitt.

"I guess I can play tennis a little bit again," Roddick said to rapturous applause from the partisan crowd.

"I don't know what to say to be honest. I'm in a bit of shock. It's been a rough six months and I'm so glad to come out and do it in front of you guys. You're my favourite crowd."

Roddick, the No.9 seed, now faces the unseeded Mikhail Youzhny, but won't take him lightly after the Russian put No.2 seed Rafael Nadal out of the championship earlier today in four sets.

Hewitt, meanwhile, will be forced to lick his wounds again after another grand slam exit. The Australian progressed to the quarter-finals as something of a surprise after a run of poor form and injuries on the ATP Tour.

"He came out serving so well didn't give me too many looks at second serves," Hewitt said of Roddick today.

"When Andy is serving that well you have got to clean up your own service games and I didn't do that."

This was the ninth meeting between the two former world No.1s, with Hewitt still holding a 7-2 lead overall. Roddick posted an 80 per cent success rate on his first serve points and survived a key set point to hold on to win the second set in front of a crowd of around 21,000. Two nervous moments arguably cost Hewitt the first set and any hope of victory.
Serving at 2-3 and deuce, the Australian double-faulted and tentatively pushed a forehand into the net to hand Roddick the only break of the set. Roddick dropped just four points on serve in the set and the signs weren't good for Hewitt. He had a window of opportunity late in the second set, establishing a set point with Roddick serving at 4-5 and 30-40. But Roddick quickly slammed the window shut, forcing Hewitt to net a backhand return before breaking the Australian the very next game with an explosive forehand winner. Hewitt also had opportunities in the third set, having Roddick down 15-40 serving at 3-4. But Hewitt, the No.15 seed, sent a forehand into the net and then another long to allow Roddick to hold. It was the only invitation Roddick needed as he promptly broke Hewitt again the very next game and then served out the match to move into the semi-finals at Flushing Meadows for the first time since winning the title in 2003. Roddick's match victory, his 11th straight, continued his revival since hiring Connors six weeks ago.

"This is the new Andy Roddick," he declared as Connors, suited in the stands, looked on.
Hewitt must now decide whether or not he travels to Buenos Aires later this month for Australia's Davis Cup semi-final having so far refused to commit to the tie amid security concerns.

He also entered the US Open with a knee injury which he said may prevent him from playing Davis Cup.

September 4

Lleyton defeated Richard Gasquet 6-4 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3. He will play Roddick in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Match Summary
	HewittAUS)	Gasquet(FRA)
1st Serve %	86 of 164 = 52 %	94 of 140 = 67 %
Aces	17	7
Double Faults	3	5
Unforced Errors	45	48
Winning % on 1st Serve	55 of 86 = 64 %	65 of 94 = 69 %
Winning % on 2nd Serve	43 of 78 = 55 %	21 of 46 = 46 %
Winners (Including Service)	54	53
Receiving Points Won	54 of 145 = 37 %	66 of 167 = 40 %
Break Point Conversions	7 of 14 = 50 %	6 of 15 = 40 %
Net Approaches	33 of 47 = 70 %	39 of 54 = 72 %
Total Points Won	152	152
Fastest Serve	125 MPH	125 MPH
Average 1st Serve Speed	110 MPH	110 MPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed	92 MPH	89 MPH

Lleyton Hewitt is into the quarter-finals of the US Open after the toughest of five set matches against Richard Gasquet.

Hewitt needed all his experience, and two changes of shirt to go through to a match up against Andy Roddick. It will be Hewitt's seventh year in a row he has made the quarter finals at the US Open.

He won 6-4, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, with the match going until 12.54am in New York.

Hewitt appeared to have the match well under control after winning the first two sets. But the hard hitting Frenchman immediately broke Hewitt's serve in the third set and then proceeded to use his whipping ground strokes to get on top of Hewitt.

But in the fifth set, Gasquet suffered from cramps, receiving treatment between the change of ends and hobbling noticeably on occasions.

Determined to go down swinging, he tried to hit even harder to make up for his lack of mobility.

Hewitt, who went into the match with a sore knee, appeared to have no problems moving.

"It was hard work for both of us," Hewitt said.

"He is a young guy on the rise. I was very wary coming out here tonight. This is where it all started for me, at grand slams, so it's good to get through to another quarter-final."

Gasquet conceded Hewitt was too strong in the end.

"I'm really tired," he said.

It was a great match for me today. I fought a lot, I did my best today but he was too good."

September 3

LLEYTON Hewitt stormed into the US Open fourth round for the seventh successive year today,  with a crushing, 6-3 6-1 6-2 win over Serbia teen Novak Djokovic.

The 15th seed will now meet either Frenchman Richard Gasquet or Swiss Marco Chiudinelli tomorrow for a place in the quarter-finals, after dismissing Djokovic in just 90 minutes.

Djokovic was expected to seriously challenge the Aussie, after rising 60 spots up the rankings to No.23 in the world this year, but the 19-year-old never proved a threat as Hewitt achieved a pair of service breaks in each set.

August 31

LLEYTON Hewitt breezed into the third round of the US Open with a straight-sets victory over lowly-ranked Czech Jan Hernych today.

Australia's 15th seed was untroubled in 1hr 43min, 6-4 6-2 6-2 win.

"I was on top of my game right from the start today," he said.

Hewitt has now made the last 32 at the grand-slam event for eight consecutive years, but will face a tougher time advancing to the fourth round.

The 2001 champion now meets either American Mardy Fish, the Athens Olympic silver medallist on the comeback trail after a long-term injury, or Serbia's talented Novak Djokovic, the 20th seed, on Saturday.

August 30

FORMER champion Lleyton Hewitt maintained his record of never losing in the opening round of a US Open, defeating Albert Montanes 7-5 6-4 6-3 today (AEST).

The 25-year-old, who has advanced to quarter-finals in six of his last seven appearances, said: "For me this is where it started on the grand slam level.

"It seems I play well at tournaments that I have had good memories of in the past."

Hewitt fired eight aces and blasted 38 winners in the 2hr match, played over two days after rain washed out almost all of yesterday's action.

The bulk of the tie was played under much different conditions than yesterday, when the slick surface took its toll and had both players struggling to stay on their feet in one rally.

Playing his first match in two weeks, Hewitt looked rusty as he tested his injured right knee, falling behind 5-2 early but, after settling in, the former world No.1 grabbed a 40-0 lead at 5-5.

"I wanted to hang in there. I knew I would get my opportunities," he said.

But that didn't come until the second day after play had been halted Tuesday when Hewitt reached for a shot and slipped awkwardly on the baseline.

He came here with many questions hanging over his head after a number of injuries limited his playing time this season, and the last thing he wanted was another injury while playing in the rain.

Hewitt more forehand winners (18-8) than Montanes, but he also had five double-faults. He now plays either Czech Jan Hernych or American Kevin Kim for a place in the third round.

August 27

LLEYTON Hewitt's US Open prospects looked hazy as the Australian admitted overnight that he would carry a knee injury into the final Grand Slam of the season that starts here on Monday.

"Ill probably play," said Hewitt, who is battling tendinitis and retired while trailing in his second round match at the Toronto Masters earlier in the month.

"Well see how it goes. I've hit the last three days now. Its more just trying to get my rhythm back and testing my movement out a little bit."

He said he had spent the last two weeks getting treatment and trying to prepare himself to compete at Flushing Meadows, where he won the title in 2001.

"Its definitely not 100 percent yet, but hopefully there's still a couple more days to go and hopefully I don't aggravate it any more during the tournament.

"Ive been able to play with niggling injuries before in the past. At the French Open this year, it was pretty tough.

"I twisted my ankle five days before the French Open, so that wasn't ideal. There's no doubt my ankle wasn't 100 percent, but I was still able to get through a few rounds and push Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. So I definitely know how to play with pain.

"That could be something that's going to be tested again here in the next fortnight."

Hewitt, the 15th seed, is due to face Spain's Albert Montanes in the first round.

August 25
 

THE wraps came off a cautious Lleyton Hewitt yesterday when he completed his first public practice session at Flushing Meadows in his rearguard fight to make an impact at the US Open.

Hewitt hit for 55 minutes with coach Roger Rasheed and moved encouragingly in his first disclosed session since his August 9 retirement from a match in Toronto, Canada, with patella tendinitis in his right knee.

Neither Hewitt nor Rasheed would comment on how conclusive the session had been for his chances of being fit to play Spaniard Albert Montanes, the world No.75, in the first round of the US Open, which starts early on Tuesday (AEST).

Hewitt's Davis Cup teammate Wayne Arthurs meanwhile said he would be surprised if the No.15 seed Australian missed his first US Open, his most consistent grand slam since he made his debut in 1999.

The number of errors from Hewitt's groundstrokes yesterday was understandable, given his light training workload while he was resting his knee from impact exercise.

But the cumulative workload of playing best-of-five set matches is a task for Hewitt which is reflected in his price in Open betting markets in Australia, where he is a $67 chance with TAB Sportsbet - his longest US Open price since his debut.

"Hewitt has had some injuries and his play hasn't been that good this year, so he's a huge question mark," US Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe said.

Hewitt's Davis Cup teammate Peter Luczak said the speed of the courts and balls, so quick when Hewitt and Pat Rafter won three US Opens in five years, had slowed since last year.

"They are slower and high bouncing, the last two years I'd say," Luczak said.

Hewitt requested a late start to give his knee every chance to heal, but the best he can hope for now is a second-day start because he is in the same half of the draw as Andre Agassi.

The US Tennis Association will schedule the first match of Agassi's last US Open as its first night match in a tournament which spreads its first round men's matches over the first three days.

August 21

LLEYTON Hewitt is no closer to resuming his US Open preparations after yesterday being ordered to continue resting.

Hewitt, 25, was told by a leading New York knee specialist not to venture to the practice court until at least mid-week ahead of next Monday's start at Flushing Meadows.

The Australian, who will slip from the top 20 for the first time in six years if he misses the tournament, is determined to play.

Hewitt has been sidelined for the past 11 days with severe soreness in his right knee.

He has had trouble walking without pain but is unwilling to abandon his US Open aspirations while there is time to have more treatment and rest.

Hewitt's coach Roger Rasheed and manager Rob Aivatoglou have already said they would request a late opening-round start for the 2001 Open winner.

Given Hewitt's outstanding 34-6 record in New York, the US Tennis Association is likely to grant the request.

"Lleyton's been told to keep resting," Aivatoglou said. "It's just a matter of time.

"Obviously, we're now in a bit of a race against time. We'll review the situation mid-week.

"Being patient gives a greater chance to play."

If Hewitt is unable to compete in the final major of the season, he will take a severe rankings hit.

He will slip from No. 11 to about 17th today after missing the Cincinnati Masters where he gained 225 rankings points last year for reaching the semi-finals.

If he is absent, or unable to match his semi-final effort at the US Open, the penalty will be even heavier - 450 points.

Hewitt was last ranked outside the top 20 in 2000, when he was No. 21.

He subsequently spent 75 consecutive weeks at No. 1.

If Hewitt misses the event with patella tendinitis, he might confront an awkward scenario - a choice between extended rest or running the risk of more damage.

The first option could see Hewitt bypass Australia's Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina in Buenos Aires next month and then sit out the rest of the season if the injury does not improve.

The second option would have him battling through the rest of the season in the hope of restoring his ranking ahead of the Australian summer circuit.

At this stage, Hewitt hopes his decision to rest since retiring against Thomas Johansson 11 days ago in Toronto will pay off.

Since establishing himself as a fixture at the highest level, Hewitt has missed only the 2005 French Open because of a broken rib.
 

August 15

LLEYTON Hewitt will see a knee specialist in New York this week but, whatever the diagnosis, he is unlikely to resume before the US Open in 13 days.

Hewitt will miss this week's Cincinnati Masters, as his odds of playing in next month's Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina continue to lengthen.

Hewitt remains in Canada, where he has been advised to rest his injured right knee. His manager, Rob Aivatoglou, said Hewitt had not practised since retiring from his second-round match at the Toronto Masters, almost a week after the problem emerged in Washington.

"In the next couple of days he'll travel to New York and he'll see more specialists there, but until we get that advice we really don't know what the next steps will be," said Aivatoglou, who could not confirm a report that Hewitt was suffering from patellar tendonitis.

"The US Open doesn't start until the 28th, so we've got some time on our hands, and he's just trying to get right for the start of that. But this is obviously going to make it a bigger challenge to be right for the Davis Cup tie."

Aivatoglou said he contacted organisers of next week's ATP tournament in New Haven to ask about Hewitt's chances of gaining a late wildcard, should he seek one, and had been positively received. But he also said Hewitt had traditionally preferred to practise in the US Open lead-up week, and that remained the more likely scenario.

Flushing Meadows has been Hewitt's most successful grand slam venue, where he won in 2001 and was runner-up to Roger Federer in 2004.

Hewitt's ranking, now 11th, will take a significant hit from his inability to defend his semi-final points from Cincinnati last year, and a poor showing - or no-show at all - at the US Open would make a greater dent.

Meanwhile, Davis Cup officials are sweating on his availability for the September 22-24 tie in Buenos Aires, with Mark Philippoussis firming for a place in his first national squad since the disastrous loss to Sweden in Adelaide early in 2004.

Despite being unable to play in the Binghamton Challenger semi-final in New York at the weekend due to a bruised toe, Philippoussis rose two places to 112 on the latest ATP rankings.

 

Aug 10
 

LLEYTON Hewitt's US Open prospects will become clearer today when the former world champion's painful right knee is comprehensively assessed.

Hewitt retired from a second-round match at the Toronto Masters yesterday when trailing Sweden's Australian Open winner Thomas Johansson 3-6 2-3.

Hewitt could barely walk before the match after pulling up sore following a grinding three-set victory over Juan Ignacio Chela. The former world No. 1 was last night considering having MRI scans of the knee.

Hewitt, 25, who is travelling with his wife Bec and infant daughter Mia, remains in doubt for the Cincinnati Masters next week ahead of the August 28 start to the US Open.

"I've been getting treatment every day. Last night it just flared up again," Hewitt said.

"I could hardly walk this morning when I got out of bed.

"When these things pop up, you've got to look at ways to best prepare yourself as well as possible in the circumstances for the grand slams. That's obviously the US Open in 2½ weeks. I'll maybe have a scan in the next couple of days if it's not improving.

"Hopefully it's not too bad."

The injury throws further doubt on whether Hewitt will make Australia's Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina in Buenos Aires in September.

Hewitt has yet to commit to the tie, citing security fears. The Australian is unpopular in Argentina following a series of spats with its leading players.

Hewitt has battled a string of ankle injuries over the past two years, but has been untroubled by knee problems.

August 8

LLEYTON Hewitt advanced to the second round of the Toronto Masters with a hard-earned three-set win over Argentine rival Juan Ignacio Chela today.

Hewitt recovered from a slow start to prevail 3-6 6-2 7-5 and book a clash with Sweden's Thomas Johansson, who ousted Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 5-7 6-4 6-3.

Seeking revenge over his 2006 Australian Open conqueror, No.11-seeded Hewitt was forced to toil for more than two-and-a-half hours before subduing Chela.

The South Australian looked to be in control after reeling off four consecutive games to take the second set before establishing a series of break points on Chela's opening service game in the deciding bracket.

But the South American refused to buckle.

Even after dropping serve to fall behind 4-3, Chela broke straight back for 4-4.

Chela, though, was unable to rally after falling 5-4 behind when a Hewitt forehand caught the back of the baseline on break point.

The match was a potential rehearsal for Australia's Davis Cup semi-final against Argentina in Buenos Aires next month - should Hewitt decide to go.

Australia's former world No.1 and two-time Davis Cup winner has refused to commit to the September 22-24 tie, expressing concerns about his safety.

Hewitt has a history of bad blood with Argentine players, including Chela, David Nalbandian and Guillermo Coria, and was last year named last year as one of the South American country's five most hated sportsmen in the world.

Hewitt, desperate for match practice ahead of the US Open starting at the end of this month, will be hoping to venture deep into the Toronto tournament after crashing out in the first round of the Los Angeles Open and then losing in the quarter-finals last week in Washington.

August 7

LLEYTON Hewitt's quest for consistency before the US Open is this week being threatened by familiar foe, Argentine Juan Ignacio Chela.

Hewitt and Chela meet in an intriguing first-round clash at the Rogers Cup Toronto Masters, where the Australian's Davis Cup plans might be finalised.

Upset at the Legg Mason Classic in Washington on Saturday by Frenchman Arnaud Clement, Hewitt faces Chela for the first time since losing to the veteran baseliner at January's Australian Open.

Ranked 34th in the world, Chela will be anxious to puncture Hewitt's confidence ahead of the US Open in three weeks -- and next month's blockbuster Davis Cup semi-final in Buenos Aires.

Chela was fined for spitting at Hewitt during the 2005 Australian Open. Neither player has forgotten the episode, nor the fractious quarter-final between Australia and Argentina in Sydney last year.

Hewitt failed to convert 18 break points against Clement on the weekend, indicating the former world champion's confidence has not fully returned after his victory at London's Queen's Club in late June.

He is yet to make a decision on whether he will join Australia's sortie to Buenos Aires from September 22-24.

Hewitt is the only Australian assured a main draw berth at the Rogers Cup, where 36-year-old Andre Agassi has withdrawn.

His place as the oldest man in the field could now fall to 35-year-old Wayne Arthurs, who has reached the final round of qualifying.

Arthurs, who looms as a Davis Cup doubles candidate with Paul Hanley, will gain valuable insight into the likely Argentine tandem when he partners Dominik Hrbaty against Jose Acasuso and David Nalbandian at the Rogers Cup.

Mark Philippoussis leads a strong Australian charge in the dBI Challenger in Binghampton, New York.

The former world No. 8 is top seed for the event and will face Briton Martin Lee in the opening round.

Of other Australians, Nathan Healey meets Italian Fabio Fogninin, Luke Bourgeois opens against American John Paul Fruttero, Alun Jones plays Briton Richard Bloomfield and Peter Luczak faces Slovakian Lukas Lacko.

August 5

LLEYTON Hewitt was left to lament missed opportunities after being defeated by France's Arnaud Clement to be bundled out of the quarter-finals of the Washington Classic yesterday.
Clement stunned the third seed 7-6 (7-1), 6-4 to book a semi-final meeting with another former world No. 1, unseeded Russian Marat Safin, who was too good for South African Wesley Moodie 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (11-9). It was Clement's first victory over Hewitt in eight matches. Clement raced to a 4-1 lead in the first set before Hewitt rallied to take the next four games. But the Australian failed to close out the set, losing his serve at 5-4.
"I fought so hard to get back," said the 12th-ranked Hewitt.
"If I could have gotten that first set . . . under my belt then I would have had a lot of momentum coming back from 4-1. I gave him a little extra wind out there to hang in there."
Clement refused to allow Hewitt into the first-set tiebreak, taking it 7-1. Clement broke Hewitt in the fifth game of the second set to take a 3-2 lead and serve out to take the match.
"I had so many chances in the first set," Hewitt said.
"I had 12 break points. Against the best players, you've got to take those chances when you get them."
Clement's triumph over Hewitt was a welcome lift for the Frenchman, whose overall record this year is only 13-14. "It's very special for me having lost to him the first seven matches," said the 28-year-old Clement who is ranked 57th in the world. "We have similar games but he is always a little bit better than me. We've played a couple of tough matches, but he was always a little better at the important moments. Today was different."

August 3

 Third-seeded Lleyton Hewitt beat Germany's Denis Gremelmayr 6-1, 6-4 on Thursday to advance to the quarterfinals of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic. Hewitt, who held off Vince Spadea in a 2 1/2 -hour match Wednesday night, will face France's Arnaud Clement on Friday.
"I played a bit better today," said Hewitt, the Australian star who won the Legg Mason in his last appearance in 2004. "I had my rhythm a bit better, and I felt like I was able to put pressure on his service game throughout the first set. I felt like it was a step in the right direction after yesterday."

August 2

June 25

June 24

Lleyton is playing in Los Angeles this week. He is the 2nd seed.

July 7

 Lleyton was defeated in the quarterfinal at Wimbledon by Baghdatis 6-1 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 6-2. He is now preparing for the US summer season.

This page will not be updated July 1-15

June 29

Lleyton defeated Lee in 5 sets 6-7 6-2 7-6 6-7 6-4. He will play Olivier Rochus in the 3rd rd.

earlier - LLEYTON Hewitt's Wimbledon title chances will hinge on a one-set shootout with Korean Hyung-Taik Lee tonight (AEST).

The pair was locked at two sets apiece in the second-round match when play was stopped for the night.

In a thrilling contest, Hewitt and Lee matched each other for fighting grit and, after 3hr 19min, were locked at 6-7 (7-4) 6-2 7-6 (8-6) 6-7 (7-5) when the referee called them off amid gathering gloom at 9.12pm (6.12am AEST).

The winner will meet in-form 20th seed Olivier Rochus, who lost just two games in his second-round match overnight.

It was a remarkable contest between Hewitt and Lee on court one, with the Australian saving nine set points during the third and fourth sets, before succumbing on the 10th in the final point of the day as Lee clinched the fourth-set tiebreak.

The opening set was also tight, with Hewitt feeling aggrieved during the tiebreak, after arguing one line call at length with the chair umpire and then copping two dodgy bounces on the final two points.

The second set was trouble-free for Hewitt, producing two breaks to level the match, but it proved the calm before the spectacular storm.

In the third, Lee saved a set point on his own serve in the 10th game, then broke Hewitt to come out to serve for the set at 6-5, only for the Australian to break back to force a tiebreak in which the Korean was up 6-3 with two points to come on serve.

Hewitt saved the three set points and then won the following two to snatch the set, celebrating with a trademark "come on!".

The Korean could have been excused for folding after that disappointment, but fought on commendably in the fourth set.

He had two set points on Hewitt's serve in the 10th game but could not convert.

When Hewitt produced a break in the 11th game he came out to serve for the match, only for the Korean to somehow find the will to break back and force another tiebreak, which he only converted on his fourth set point.

June 28

June 24

June 18

Lleyton Hewitt claimed his fourth title at the Stella Artois Championships after defeating American James Blake 6-4, 6-4 in the final. The Australian took just 66 minutes to join John McEnroe and Boris Becker as the only players to have won at The Queen’s Club on four occasions.

It was the first title for Hewitt since he won Sydney in January 2005, and avenged his loss to Blake in the Las Vegas final earlier this year, his only loss against the American in seven meetings. “It’s fantastic,” said the 25-year-old. “This place has always been pretty special to me, I always love coming here year after year and to win it for the fourth time feels great.”

Hewitt won three consecutive titles at The Queen’s Club between 2000-02, before Andy Roddick took over the reigns by winning the next three Stella Artois Championships.

June 17

Lleyton Hewitt is through to his fourth final at the Stella Artois Championships after coming back from a break down in the third set to defeat Britain’s Tim Henman in the semifinals.

Hewitt claimed his ninth win in 10 meetings against Henman with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 victory and kept his hopes of joining John McEnroe and Boris Becker as the only four-time winners at The Queen’s Club alive.

Hewitt, who won three consecutive titles at the Stella Artois Championships between 2000-02, defeating Henman in two of those finals, found himself 2-0 down in the deciding set as the British No. 3 appeared to be on his way to a fourth final.

However, Hewitt benefited from some questionable line calls and took full advantage, winning six consecutive games to reach his third final of the year, having finished runner-up in Las Vegas and San Jose, in 1 hour, 46 minutes.

“I felt like I started returning better again,” said Hewitt. “I felt like I won the first set playing pretty good tennis out there. And at the start of the second I had chances to break early and go up a set and a break, and he served well on the big points out there today. And, you know, his serve didn't really go off until a bit later during the third set where I started getting some opportunities on his second serve to put a bit of pressure on him. Up till then, you know, he was hitting his first serve well, and I couldn't try and dictate too much on the return of serve, and he was always the one getting that first hit in.”

Hewitt, the World No. 13 and eighth seed here, will be looking to claim his first ATP title since winning Sydney in January 2005.

June 16

Lleyton defeated Rafael Nadal 3-6-63 ret. Lleyton will play Henman in the semis.

"Nadal and Hewitt were locked at one set all when Nadal signalled to umpire Gerry Armstrong that he could not carry on. The Spaniard had needed treatment on his left shoulder throughout the match and after losing the second set shook his head and walked off court. Hewitt admitted he was looking forward to taking on Henman.

He said: "It's always good fun playing Tim - it will be great to test each other out before Wimbledon.

"He's looking pretty confident on grass this year, so it's going to be a tough match."

Henman said: "Lleyton is a great grass-court player and has beaten me enough times. But at least I beat him the last time."

June 15

Queens - "Hewitt, a winner here from 2000-02, is looking to join John McEnroe and Boris Becker as the only four-time winners of the Stella Artois Championship, was relieved to have got through against Mirnyi considering their last five matches had gone the distance.

“It's always a tough match against Max. Every time I played him, we've had battles. You don't get that many opportunities against a guy like him so if you get that second serve on breakpoint or that slight opening, you really have to take it. That said, I still was up a break twice in the final set and wasn't able to convert that break. He played well, though, in those games. But it's nice to come through a tight match against a good grass court player.”

Looking ahead to playing Nadal, against whom he won their first three meetings before losing to the Spaniard in the fourth round at the French Open last week, Hewitt said their meeting on clay should have little bearing on the outcome. “If we play on grass, it's probably totally different, especially to two weeks ago,” said the Australian. “It's probably more so closer to the hard court meetings I think that we've had in the past.”

June 14
Lleyton defeated Vicente 4-6 6-4 6-2 in the 1st rd at Queens.

web site was not updated May 24 - June 4

May 22

VIENNA (Reuters) - Lleyton Hewitt's first claycourt outing in two years ended painfully as he twisted his ankle during a 3-6 6-3 7-6 defeat by Brazilian Marcos Daniel in the opening round of the Poertschach International on Monday.

The Australian, who has suffered a run of bad luck over the past two claycourt seasons with a series of injuries, could miss his second successive French Open if the latest setback turns out to be serious.

Playing his first match on the ATP tour for almost two months, Hewitt looked in good physical shape in the Austrian city until the closing stages of the contest.

Trailing 4-3 in the third set tiebreak, the former world number one twisted his ankle and immediately collapsed behind the baseline clutching his foot in agony.

He remained rooted to the baseline before being attended to by a trainer.

The second seed returned to complete the match but failed to win another point as Daniel secured victory with an easy forehand.

Hewitt now faces a race against time to get fit for the season's second grand slam tournament, which begins at Roland Garros in Paris on Sunday.
 

May 12

LLEYTON Hewitt will end a six-year hiatus from grand slam doubles by teaming up with Wayne Arthurs at the French Open in two weeks.

Match-shy Hewitt has not played doubles at the majors since lifting the 2000 US Open trophy with Belarussian Max Mirnyi.

The former world champion occasionally contests ATP and Davis Cup doubles, but usually prefers to conserve his energy for singles.

But, inactive competitively since last month's Davis Cup victory over Belarus, Hewitt will use the French Open doubles as a pipe-opener for British grass.

May 11

Lleyton has withdrawn from Hamburg with a calf injury. This must have happened during training in Sydney.

May 4

LLEYTON Hewitt has pulled out of next week's Rome Masters, citing scheduling issues. The world No. 14 will remain in Sydney to practise at a private venue with his coach Roger Rasheed before tackling the Hamburg Masters from May 15.
Off the ATP tour since Miami in March, when he was upset by Tim Henman, Hewitt has not played since thumping Belarussian Vladimir Voltchkov in Davis Cup at Kooyong on April 7.
Hewitt's manager Rob Aivatoglou yesterday said Hewitt's decision to bypass Masters events in Monte Carlo and now Rome was based on scheduling concerns.
"Lleyton's managing his preparation going into the French Open and then Wimbledon," Aivatoglou said.
"He'll be doing a seven-week stretch, starting with Hamburg, then Poertschach (Austria) before the French Open on May 29. From there, he plays the Stella Artois Championships at Queen's Club leading into Wimbledon."
Hewitt missed the entire claycourt season last year because of rib and foot injuries.
Any points he pockets on the red dust will push the former world champion back towards the top 10.

Monday April 10

Australia defeated Belarus 5-0 in the quarterfinal of the Davis Cup. The semi will be in Argentina September 22-24. Lleyton will play the Hamburg Masters Series May 15. He and Bec will be at the Logie TV Awards May 7. Bec has been nominated for a Gold Logie.

Monday April 3

"Optus Australian Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald says he has a fair idea how his team will line up for Friday's singles against Belarus in the Davis Cup quarterfinal, but will not reveal his cards.

At an Australian practice session today, Australian No.1 Lleyton Hewitt, now ranked No.12 in the world, worked out with rookie Chris Guccione (No.168). Doubles pair Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley were due to practise later in the day. "I’ve got a fair idea of what I’m going to do, but the draw will give you that info on Thursday," Fitzgerald said.

Expecting the Belarusian team to lead with world No.51 Max Mirnyi and No.457 Vladimir Voltchkov (No.457), Fitzgerald said his main goal was to have the Australian team players peaking by the weekend. "

Saturday March 31

Lleyton is in Melbourne preparing for the Davis Cup quarterfinal tie against Belarus April 7-9.

Saturday March 25

Lleyton was defeated by Tim Henman 7-6 6-3 in the 2nd rd of the Miami masters tournament. He will now return to Australia to prepare for the Davis Cup quarterfinal.

Last week he was defeated in the 3rd rd of the Indian Wells Masters series by Tomas Berdych after defeating Rainer Schuettler in the 2nd rd. ( I was away and didnt update web site)

Sunday March 5

James Blake defeated Lleyton Hewitt for the first time in seven tries Sunday, breaking the former world No. 1 four times in the final set to win the Tennis Channel Open 7-5, 2-6, 6-3.

"It's not easy to play against him," Blake said. "I'm just happy to get finally get a win against him. He's one of the best players of all-time."

Blake earned his fifth career title and second of the year, highlighting a career-best 14-4 start. He also captured an ATP event in Sydney, Australia, on Jan. 15.

"This one definitely ranks up there," Blake said. "I've been on tour six years and this is my fifth title -- it's not like it happens everyday."

Blake won $52,000 for the title and 175 ranking points in this $380,000 event -- he's expected to move up seven spots to No. 14 when the ATP releases its latest rankings Monday.

Hewitt earned $30,600 and 120 points.

"He made me earn it today," Blake said. "He's gotten me in so many close matches and beaten me up so many times."

The win was Blake's sixth in 28 matches against top-10 opponents. He won despite four double faults and 30 unforced errors.

"He's on a great run," said Hewitt, ranked No. 10. "Blake has come back as one of the best players out there."

Hewitt dropped his fourth straight championship match and has not won in more than 13 months, including two weeks ago when he fell to Andy Murray in the finals at San Jose, Calif. He was aiming for his 25th career title.

"There are a lot of positives that came out of the last two weeks," Hewitt said.

Saturday March 4

Top-seeded Lleyton Hewitt overcame a sluggish start to beat Paul Goldstein 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 in the semifinals of the Tennis Channel Open on Saturday, earning a chance to break a long title drought.

Hewitt, who has 25 career tournament titles, hasn't won one since Jan. 16, 2005 when he was victorious in his native Australia. Andy Murray of Great Britain beat him in the championship of the SAP Open last month in San Jose, Calif.

Hewitt, ranked No. 10 in the world, will face the winner of Saturday night's semifinal between No. 5 seed James Blake and Ivo Karlovic of Croatia in Sunday's championship.

Hewitt is now 4-0 for his career and 2-0 in 2006 against Goldstein.

Goldstein broke Hewitt's serve four times in the first set. But Hewitt won six of eight break-point attempts in the last two sets.

"Halfway through the second set I felt like I was dictating play and being the better player out there, and playing the kind of tennis that I wanted to play," said Hewitt, who won eight of 13 break points for the match.

With the loss, Goldstein fell to 2-13 against top 10 opponents.

"He started dictating play in the second (set)," said Goldstein. "I made a few errors early on, the momentum shifted and it was tough for me to get it back together. He's such a phenomenal competitor."

Friday March 3

Lleyton Hewitt beat the wind while Tommy Robredo got swept away. The top-seeded Hewitt overcame blustery conditions and rolled to a 6-2, 6-0 win over Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany on Friday to advance to the semifinals of the inaugural Tennis Channel Open. Hard-serving Ivo Karlovic of Croatia upset the third-seeded Robredo, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

With winds clocked at 35 miles-per-hour, spectators in the normally warm desert traded in their tennis shorts for overcoats and gloves to watch the feisty Australian dismantle Kohlschreiber in 59 minutes. "There were tough conditions but it was the same for both players, so there's no point in getting negative over it," said Hewitt, who had to wait out a 66-minute rain delay before rallying past German Florian Mayer on Monday night. "We know it's not enjoyable for the crowd but the show must go on." Hewitt broke Kohlschreiber's serve six of seven times to get a measure of revenge after losing a three-setter in Adelaide earlier in the year.

Seeking his first ATP Tour title since winning at Sydney last year, the former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion will face unseeded American Paul Goldstein in the semifinals. Goldstein advanced when Xavier Malisse of Belgium retired with a left Achilles' strain in the second set. Goldstein was leading the match, 6-3, 2-0, when Malisse retired. "It will be a tough match," Hewitt said. "Goldstein has one some good matches this week, beating (Robby) Ginepri and (Vince) Spadea. He's going to run a lot of balls down and you've really got to go out there and beat him. I look forward to the challenge."

Wednesday March 1

Lleyton Hewitt reached the quarterfinals for the third time this year by defeating Jan Hernych 6-3, 6-3 on Wednesday in the Tennis Channel Open.
Hewitt, ranked No. 10, next faces Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany.
"My focus is on winning this tournament," said Hewitt, winless so far in 2006. "I'm trying to get points and get my ranking up a little bit."
Hernych, a Czech, fell to 0-3 in as many matches against the Australian.
"I was very wary of him going into the match," Hewitt said. "I felt comfortable, but he's the kind of guy that when you actually get up a break, he plays a lot better tennis. I was wary of him when I went up 5-3 in the first set and also in the second set, when I was always up.
"He got cheap points early off my service game and I really had to keep digging to hold on."

Monday February 27

Las Vegas - Hewitt had to wait out a 66-minute rain delay before dispatching German Florian Mayer, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, on Monday night

Sunday February 19

Lleyton was defeated by Andy Murray 6-2 1-6 6(3)-7 in the San Jose final.

Hewitt: "I didn’t serve very well, but to his credit he returned well so I was always under pressure. I didn’t feel like I stepped it up in the first few service games. I just gave him too big a lead in service games which gave him confidence to hit his shots."

"The biggest positive is that I got five great matches under my belt. Coming in here, I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to play. So this is a huge positive. I felt better as the week went on and hopefully I’ll get better and better. I’m more confident out there, but I’d like to execute better than I did today…Hopefully I’ll be able to add another dimension to my game so I can get back to that next level."

Lleyton will play Las Vegas starting Feb 27

Saturday  February 18

Lleyton defeated Vince Spadea 6-3 6-4 in the San Jose semi. He will play either Andy Murray or Andy Roddick in the final.

Friday February 17

Lleyton defeated Wayne Arthurs 7-6(4) 6-2

"Hewitt says his ankle feels much better, although against Arthurs, it was pretty much of a serve-and-return affair and he didn't have to run as much. Hewitt has one of the best returns of all time and once he got Arthurs into the tiebreak and made him plays a few low volleys, the passes were sure to come. "

There's a very human side to Hewitt that occasionally comes through, maybe more so that he's now a dad. He's still a little too paranoid, but you have to like how he stands his ground. Maybe his parents still have to much influence on him, maybe he should realize that failing to greet people he knows is rude and maybe he should stop consistently defending himself and offer and apology once and a while. But, I'll take his willingness to at least challenge the establishment any day over the many players who take a go along to get along approach. That's as long as he's willing to take as much as he dishes out. "

Thursday February 16

Lleyton Hewitt advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Sam Warburg on Thursday.

The third-seeded Hewitt was down 3-1 in first set when he ripped off 11 of the next 15 points. The Australian has made quick work of two former Stanford stars in his first two matches, beating Paul Goldstein in straight sets Wednesday.

This is the third time in his three appearances at the SAP Open that Hewitt has advanced to the quarterfinals. In 2002, Hewitt defeated Andre Agassi to win the tournament.

Hewitt hurt his left ankle during a second-round loss to Juan Ignacio Chela at last month's Australian Open, but he has shown no effects of the injury so far in the tournament.

"I still feel it out there," he said. "It's just when I jam my foot off during matches. It's something you can't test before a match. So I'm just trying to build it up."

Hewitt finished off Warburg with an ace. Warburg made 20 unforced errors to Hewitt's 12.

Tuesday February 14

Third seed Lleyton Hewitt crushed American Paul Goldstein 6-4 6-2 in the SAP Open first round on Wednesday, his first match since the Australian Open.

Mark Philippoussis overcame fourth seed Tommy Robredo 3-6 7-5 7-5 to join his fellow Australian in the second round.

"I'm not quite 100 percent, so it's nice to get through," Hewitt said. "I felt like I moved a lot better in the past. It's a little bit of confidence with pushing off the ankle. Tonight's match was a tough because Paul competes his heart out, especially on a hard court."

The 24-year-od Australian was pushed in the first set by Goldstein's changes of pace, but won the set when he crushed a brilliant forehand down the line.

After dropping the first two games of the second set, Hewitt's game went up to another level while Goldstein had trouble keeping the ball in the court.

"LLEYTON Hewitt appears certain to rejoin Australia's suddenly buoyant Davis Cup campaign as Kooyong emerged as favourite to host the April quarter-final against Belarus.

World No. 11 Hewitt flew to San Jose, California, yesterday after practising for three days at Melbourne Park as Chris Guccione, Peter Luczak, Wayne Arthurs and Paul Hanley guided Australia to a famous 3-2 first-round success against Switzerland in Geneva.

Still not 100 per cent after straining ligaments in his left ankle, Hewitt will start the SAP Open in San Jose on Wednesday. He will play Paul Goldstein in his first match.

Hewitt bypassed the Swiss tie because of injury.

Hewitt's coach Roger Rasheed and manager Rob Aivatoglou are optimistic Hewitt will resume his outstanding cup career from April 7-9 after contesting events in San Jose, Las Vegas, Indian Wells and Miami. "

Saturday 27 January

"Australia's Lleyton Hewitt will miss next month's Davis Cup first round tie with Switzerland as he nurses an ankle injury.

Hewitt hurt his left ankle during his Australian Open second round loss to Juan Ignacio Chela and although he finished the match, doctors have told him he needs to take a break to avoid any further damage.

"Despite rest and rehabilitation over the past week, Lleyton's ankle has not sufficiently recovered for him to be able to take to the court in preparation for the tie," Hewitt's manager Rob Aivatoglou said in a statement released by Tennis Australia on Thursday.

"Doctors have advised Lleyton that he risks further damaging the joint should he attempt to play in the short term."

Australia's non-playing Davis Cup John Fitzgerald said the team to play the Swiss will be announced next Tuesday. The tie will be played on clay in Geneva from February 10-12.

"It's most unfortunate that Lleyton has sustained an injury so near to Davis Cup and obviously we would have preferred to have him play in Geneva as he's always been a key member of the team," Fitzgerald said.

"His absence obviously opens up the door for someone new to step up to the plate for this important tie."

Tean announced - Wayne Arthurs, Chris Guccione, Peter Luczak and Paul Hanley.

Thursday January 19

"THE court surface on Rod Laver Arena may be too slow for Lleyton Hewitt's liking, but only once in the past seven years has his departure from the Australian Open been so swift. Hewitt last night lost in the second round to Juan Ignacio Chela, his earliest exit from Melbourne Park since the chickenpox year of 2002.

As a finalist 12 months ago, Hewitt also faces a sharp rankings drop from his current No. 6 to outside the top 10, but the pain of his defeat against his Argentinian rival will be far more acute. The third seed fell 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (8-10), 6-2 in three hours 23 minutes, leaving only Peter Luczak, Nathan Healey and Samantha Stosur as Australia's presence in the third round.

Hewitt has had a sorry summer, losing early in Adelaide and from a seemingly impregnable position against Andreas Seppi in Sydney, his energy sapped by a stomach virus.

He struggled past Czech Robin Vik in a five-set opening round, but has been playing unconvincing, anxious tennis, and now will play no more.

While Chela battled cramp late in the match, Hewitt also was troubled by a left foot injury, calling a medical time-out five games into the third set. Hewitt, who had his ankle re-taped two games later, said he was in pain each time he landed. He received medication from tournament doctor Tim Wood late in the third set, complaining that he was unable to push off when forced wide — as if Chela alone was not causing him enough discomfort.

Hewitt's frustration with what he considers the surface's lack of pace became vocal late in the second set, when he was broken in the ninth game and yelled out something that sounded like "fix the courts". His game, at that stage, was also in need of repair.

The pair's opening trade of service breaks was indicative of what was to come, with both players vulnerable early, and seven breaks in the first 15 games. Hewitt was under particular pressure, facing 14 break points in his first eight service games, as Chela jumped all over his second ball, often belting clean winners.

Hewitt looked most threatening early in the third set, recovering from a 40-0 deficit in the first game to hold serve, then break Chela in the next game. It was as if he was suddenly galvanised, recognising the urgency of a situation that was threatening to slip from his grasp.

Except that Chela — ranked 51st, down from his best of 15th — pulled level three games later to force a tie-breaker that Hewitt finally closed out on his eighth set point, the set lasting 71 draining minutes."

Tuesday January 17

AUSTRALIA'S Lleyton Hewitt has narrowly avoided a shock first round exit at the Australian Open with a comeback five-set win.

It was a fortunate escape, with Vik's nerves getting the better of him as he served for the match at 6-5 in the fourth set, losing that game to love.

After Hewitt won the fourth set tiebreak, he again had to battle hard to clinch the match in the deciding set.

The pair traded breaks of serve early in the set, with Hewitt gaining the decisive break in the seventh game, then breaking again in the ninth game to clinch the match.

He will next play Argentinian Juan Ignacio Chela in the second round.

Friday January 13

Lleyton is the 3rd seed at the Australian Open. He is in Federers half of the draw. If matches wins are according to seedings, Lleyton will play Coria in the quarters and Federer in the semis.

Thursday January 12

"Lleyton Hewitt's 22-match winning streak at the Sydney International ended Thursday when the top-seeded Australian was upset 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 by Italian Andrea Seppi.

Hewitt had never lost in the ATP tournament held at the former Olympic site, winning titles in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005.

But Hewitt, who nearly pulled out of his first-round match with a stomach virus, made a number of unforced errors Thursday and blew two match points in the deciding set after serving for the match in the second.

Serving at 5-3 in the deciding set, Hewitt again missed on a backhand volley at the net on match point, and after fending off one break point set up by another double-fault, hit a forehand long on another match point. Seppi eventually broke back to 5-4.

Seppi came back to take a 6-5 lead, then won the match when he hit a forehand to the corner that Hewitt couldn't reach. "

Lleyton will now go to Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open.

Wednesday January 11

LLEYTON Hewitt has overcome his stomach bug to post a straight sets victory over Austrian Jurgen Melzer at the Sydney International today.

Hewitt admitted he almost pulled out midway through his first round clash with Vince Spadea on Monday, but after a day's rest at home the top seed showed no effects of the virus.

Monday January 9

January 7

The draw is out for the Medibank International. Lleyton will play a qualifier in the 1st rd and is lined up to meet either Chela or Melzer in the 2nd rd.

January 5

"Top seeded Australian Lleyton Hewitt is out of the Next Generation Adelaide International after a three set loss to German Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round tonight.

Hewitt started slow falling behind 3-0 and never regained the ground in the opener. In a complete change of momentum Hewitt could do little wrong in the second set wiping his lower ranked opponent from the court 6-0.

In the decider it was Kohlschreiber who jumped out to the early lead and by 5-3 down the Aussie looked all but gone. One last crack in the tenth game saw Hewitt put the set back on serve but the following game the German broke once again and proceeded to serve out the match 6-3 0-6 7-5.

Hewitt was disappointed with the loss but said it wouldn’t affect his Australian Open preparations too much.

"I started off a bit shaky and got better as the match went on," Hewitt said. "In the second set I couldn’t put a foot wrong and I started to get on top of him and just played a slack first game of the third set.

"He served extremely well in the last set, a lot better than he served for the rest of the match. Apart from the last two service games where he got a little bit tired I wasn’t getting too many opportunities on second serves to get into his service games."

Hewitt said his drop of service in the first game of the last set was crucial.

"I was just playing catch up in the third set. It would have been nice (to play a few more matches) and it’s always nice to win tournaments especially when they’re in your home country. But in the big picture, I got one round further last year and it didn’t make much of a difference."

January 3

Adelaide – Aussie top seed Lleyton Hewitt has won a tough fought first round match 4-6 6-2 6-4 over Czech Jan Hernych at Next Generation Adelaide International at Memorial Drive tonight.

Like this time last year, Hewitt scared his hometown crowd dropping serve in the first game and again in the fifth to go 4-1 down. Hernych proceed to serve out the first set in just over half an hour.

The world No.4 found quickly found his momentum in the second jumping out to 5-0 lead before sealing the set. The decider was a tight affair with both players trading breaks before Hewitt got the better of his unseeded opponent for a 1hr 56min win.

Hewitt said it was the type of match he was expecting.

"Hopefully I’ll get better and better as every match goes on," he said. "I knew it was going to be a tough match. There’s a lot of easier opponents to play out there in the first round of Adelaide than Jan – he’s a tough competitor and he always brings his A-game.

"He’s not the most flashy player out there but he will always be out there to compete and you’ve got to really step up and beat him every time you’re out there. I was prepared for that and for me it’s nice to get another match under my belt. That could be the kickstart that I need."

Hewitt will face Chris Guccione’s conqueror Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round and says it won’t be an easy match.

"He’s a nice sweet timer of the ball, he looks like he’s got a really nice single-hand backhand," Hewitt said. "I’m going to have to try and work him around the court and try and get him off balance as much as possible and still be aggressive and try and dictate play."

In the second match of the night session Victorian qualifier Rameez Junaid put up an enormous fight against second seed Dominik Hrbaty before falling in two close sets. Junaid conceded the opener 6-3 but fought hard in the second for an early 3-0 lead. Hrbaty worked his way back into the match and eventually posted a 6-3 7-5 win.