Sunday, 3 November, 2002, 14:05 GMT
BBC Sport Online

Gamewatch: Hewitt v Safin

All the action from the Paris Masters where Marat Safin destroyed world number one Lleyton Hewitt to capture his first title of the season.

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Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 4-6 Safin
Safin's nerves come to the fore as his first title of the year is in sight. He makes a couple of unforced errors but Hewitt is unable to take advantage. The Australian is disappointed by a line call at 30-30 but the Russian shrugs off the controversy and when a Hewitt return floats wide, he celebrates with the Paris crowd.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 4-5 Safin
Hewitt can only watch as Safin fires a barrage of winners to earn himself three match points. But the Australian is not ready to surrender and he produces his best play of the match to save all three and then, after a thrilling rally, force Safin to serve for the title.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 3-5 Safin
Safin looks to be on his way to an easy hold but he double faults at 40-0. Hewitt produces an incredible winner from well outside the tramlines which clips the net post on its way down the line but it is only a brief respite and Safin recovers.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 3-4 Safin
Hewitt eases the pressure on himself with a comfortable service hold but he must now find a way to break Safin.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 2-4 Safin
A glimmer of hope for Hewitt who moves to 30-30, but Safin produces an ace and then is fotunate to see the Australian's forehand clip the net and drop out.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 2-3 Safin
Safin earns another chance to break the Hewitt serve as the Australian struggles to find a first delivery. An angled drop volley puts Safin on the verge of his first title of the year.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 2-2 Safin
A couple of errors give Hewitt a chance to fight his way back into the match. He misses the opportunity to go break point up when he sends his return long and shouts in frustration as the opportunity slips by.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 2-1 Safin
Safin refuses to ease up on Hewitt and the Australian is pegged back to deuce. Safin produces a miraculous forehand on the run, whipping it crooscourt past the net-rushing Hewitt. The Russian has a chance to pass Hewitt again on break point but pulls it wide and the Australian produces an ace to relieve the pressure.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 1-1 Safin
A shell-shocked Hewitt sees Safin produce a second serve at 187kmph to seal a love service game.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 1-0 Safin
Hewitt gets himself into trouble again, throwing in two double faults as Safin engineers his ninth and tenth break points of the match. But Hewitt clings on and stems the flow.

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Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-6 Safin
Safin is irresistable. Hewitt does not get a ball in play as the Russian fires two aces and two unreturnable first serves to complete an incredible set.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-5 Safin
Hewitt is broken for the third time to leave him staring at a 0-6 reverse for the first time in his career. Safin's returns do the damage.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-4 Safin
Hewitt senses an opportunity to get off the mark in the second set when he moves to 15-30 but Safin firmly shuts the door. He controls the next three points and holds comfortably in the end.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-3 Safin
Hewitt is clearly rattled by the incredible form of his opponent. Safin races to a 0-40 lead, partly thanks to a Hewitt double fault. But the Australian's fighting spirit sees him get back to deuce. Safin, however, steps up again and on his fourth break chance, he plants a forehand in the corner well out of an incredulous Hewitt's reach.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-2 Safin
A mixed game for Safin who combines breathtaking winners with some wild errors. Hewitt has three opportunities to break and on the third looks certain to level the set. He fires a mid-court forehand straight at the Russian, but Safin somehow gets his racket to a volley and survives.

Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) 0-1 Safin
A disastrous game for Hewitt who is broken despite taking a 40-15 lead. Another forehand flies wide to give Safin an early boost in the second set.

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Hewitt 6-7 (4-7) Safin
Hewitt's forehand breaks down and allows Safin to take the first set. He hits long at 0-1 and 2-4 to put Safin in complete control and on the Russian's second set point, the world number one dumps another into the net.

Hewitt 6-6 Safin
Safin gets within two points of the set with some breathtaking backhands. But at the crucial moment, he allows Hewitt to dominate the rallies and the Australian forces the tiebreak.

Hewitt 5-6 Safin
Safin puts in an excellent serving display, holding to 15.

Hewitt 5-5 Safin
Hewitt eases into a 40-0 lead but a couple of errors give Safin hope. The Australian shuts the door with a forehand winner.

Hewitt 4-5 Safin
Hewitt is beginning to impose his game on Safin. The Russian has stopped attacking the net, which was the key to his early success in the set. He faces another break point when Hewitt puts away a forehand volley, but his serve gets him out of trouble.

Hewitt 4-4 Safin
Hewitt levels the set by holding to 15. Safin, so dominant moments ago, is suddenly looking vulnerable.

Hewitt 3-4 Safin
Against the run of play, Hewitt suddenly finds himself with two break points after exchanging several long rallies with his opponent. Safin has a moment of indecision as he approaches the net and fails with a forehand volley.

Hewitt 2-4 Safin
Hewitt responds to the challenge by holding to love for the first time in the match.

Hewitt 1-4 Safin
Safin consolidates the break with a love service game. Hewitt has managed only one point against serve so far.

Hewitt 1-3 Safin
Hewitt is struggling to cope with the power of his opponent and Safin secures the first break of the match. On his first break point, he approaches the net and plays a delicate drop shot which Hewitt fails to reach.

Hewitt 1-2 Safin
A rasping backhand which even Hewitt cannot scramble back brings up two game points for Safin and though the Russian makes a rare forehand miss on the first, he makes no mistake on the second.

Hewitt 1-1 Safin
Hewitt races into a 40-0 lead but Safin responds by taking the next two. The Australian holds on with his first ace.

Hewitt 0-1 Safin
Safin's serve, so impressive in his win over Carlos Moya on Saturday, is still firing and he seals an emphatic hold with an ace.


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www.eurosport.com live coverage
--most recent results first

17:57 : Thank you for joinning us and please come back on wednesday for our live coverage of the WTA Tour Championships in Los Angeles.

17:35 : A nearly perfect run for the Russian who only lost one set in the tournament.

17:32 : And he does it!!!!! He serve is strong enough for Hewitt's return to go out of bound. The crowd goes wild and Safin is thrilled.

17:31 : Fourth match point for Safin

17:30 : Safin is two points away from victory.

17:25 : Hewitt takes advantage and serves to stay in the match.

17:24 : Safin misses the third one with an out of bound return

17:23 : Second one saved with a passing shot.

17:23 : Hewitt saves the first one with a strong serve

17:22 : Triple match point for Safin.

17:20 : 13 aces for Safin and 6 of them in this set!!!

17:13 : Safin confirms his break thanks to antoher mistake from the Aussie.

17:08 : Safin does it with a brilliant volley at the net.

17:08 : Another break ppoints for Safin! Hewitt can't control his shots and he is giving away a lot of points.

17:06 : Safin takes his service games rather calmly while Hewitt has to fihgt off his bad service and Safin's shots.

17:00 : After a hard fought game Hewitt saves two break points and takes his service game. He is having a lot of trouble placing his first serve and therefore has to serve a bit slower in the second to avoid the doble fault giving Safin a slight advantage.

16:55 : Five double faults so far for Hewitt.

16:51 : But Hewitt decides to change destiny and takes his game.

16:48 : Déjà vue situation as Safin opens the set with a break opportunity.

16:45 : The third and maybe final set is underway.

16:43 : Safin takes the set with ease as Hewitt just let go.

16:42 : 2 succesive aces for Safin and he is two points away from set point.

16:40 : He breaks with a great return of serve that leavs Hewitt static. Safin serves for the match .

16:40 : The Russian just cant get enough, he can break once again !

16:37 : Safin is making Hewitt run all around the court forcing him to waist his energy. He takes his service games and leads 4-0.

16:31 : Safin fires an excellent passing shot to break the No.1 and take a commanding lead.

16:29 : Hewitt saves the triple break and is now deuce. Great accelerations from both players.

16:28 : Safin has yet another chance to break the Australian, 0-40

16:27 : Safin's shots are solid and strong, he has clearly set the pace of the match, meanwhile Hewitt is trying to follow it but has encountered a few obstacles.

16:26 : A missed lob that hits Hewitt's racket edge finally gives Safin the game.

16:25 : Advantage for Safin

16:24 : Advantage again for Hewitt but an awkward rally at the net saves Safin from the break.

16:22 : Hewitt misses his backhand return after a long and exciting rally. Deuce

16:21 : Safin saved the break but a terrible return offers the Aussi yet another opportunity

16:18 : Safin tries a little lob but it is slighlty out of bound and Hewitt gets a chance to break back.

16:13 : Hewitt gives Safin the point overpowering his return that lands OUT!!

16:11 : Safin's momentum continues and the Russian has a chance to break the Australian.

16:07 : The second set is underway and Hewitt opens it up with a double fault.

16:04 : Safin returns Hewitt's serve superbly and Hewitt can't convert it. Safin takes the lead after 51 minutes of play.

16:03 : 6-4 Safin

16:03 : 6-3 Safin, the Russian goes to the net and puts pressure on hewitt who misses his shot. Three set points for Safin, Hewitt to serve

16:01 : 5-3 Safin

16:01 : 5-2 Safin

16:00 : 4-2 Safin as his return goes long.

15:59 : 4-1 Safin and it seems he has found the game he displayed at the beginning of the match.

15:59 : 3-1 As hewitt tries to lob Safin but his shot is a bit too strong and goes out.

15:58 : 2-1 Safin after a great ace by Hewitt. Safin is up to serve.

15:58 : 2-0 Safin as Hewitt's return is slightly long.

15:57 : 1-0 Safin

15:56 : Hewitt hangs on and forces the set into a tie break. Incredible exchanges between both players.

15:55 : 30/30

15:54 : 15/30 for Safin, two points away from the set.

15:53 : Amazing forehand passing shot by Safin 0/15

15:51 : Safin is back in the lead after a great game where his serve was the main actor. He now has to break the Australian to avoid the tie break.

15:44 : A beautiful smash where Safin had his back turned to the net and a long return by Hewitt allow the Russian to lead once again.

15:42 : Safin fires an ace to save the break.

15:41 : Hewitt has yet antoher chance to break. The Safin we saw at the beginning ot the match has nothing to do with the one we are seeing now. He has lost a little bit of patience and is hitting the ball to quick.

15:38 : Hewitt converts his service game with an extraordinary exchange to equalize.

15:35 : Hewitt breaks back as Safin's volley is too long, the Russian got overconfident with his small lead and made many unforced errors in this game. Hewitt now serves to equalize the score.

15:33 : It's Hewitt's turn to break back as Safin attempt of passing short catches the net.

15:30 : Love game for Hewitt and he attempts to come back in the score.

15:29 : For the moment Safin's first serve average is at 50% while Hewitt's at 33%.

15:26 : Safin does it with a strong serve that Hewitt can quite convert.

15:24 : Safin does it with a subtle volley that Hewitt runs like crazy to return but he is a little bit short. Great break for Safin as he serves to confirm the break and the lead.

15:23 : First break opportunity of the match for the Russian as Hewitt's shots lose precision.

15:23 : For the moment Safin seems to be dominating the game from the baseline and the exchanges have become very intense.

15:17 : Both players are looking great, they have both taken their service game without any major fuzz.

15:11 : The match is underway and Safin has chosen to serve first

15:04 : They are warming up in front of a packed Bercy stadium.

14:54 : The players are making theri way into centre court and they will begin their warm shortly.

12:19 : This is the pair's seventh meeting. The series is 3-3 so this is set to be a very close final. Their last clash was won by Safin 6-3 6-1 at the TMS in Hamburg in may.

12:11 : Safin's 2002 review: Since capturing his first grand slam title by thrashing Pete Sampras at Flushing Meadow in 2000, the giant Russian has surprisingly failed to add a second major title. Was odds on to win the Australian Open in January but played poorly in losing to Sweden's Thomas Johansson in the final. Reached the semi-final at Roland Garros, where he lost to Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero, and the final in the Hamburg Masters Series and has been instrumental in Russia's surge to the Davis Cup final. Suffered a disappointing indoor season until Paris but appears to have rediscovered his form just in time to break his 2002 title duck.

12:10 : Hewitt's 2002 review: After a disappointing start to the season when he was forced to miss his home grand slam because of chicken pox, Hewitt is on course to end the year as world number one for the second time after becoming the youngest man to achieve the feat in 2001. He made up for missing the Australian Open by winning Wimbledon in July and has collected three other titles this season at San Jose, the Masters Series at Indian Wells and Queen's Club. Since winning Wimbledon, he has been in the final of the Masters Series in Cincinnati and the semi-final of the U.S. Open where he was defeated by Andre Agassi. A virus has kept him quiet during the indoor season but he has returned with a vengeance in Paris.

12:07 : Hello and welcome to the final challenge before the guys head to Shanghai. The final of the Paris Masters bewteen Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin begins at 15:00CET so please join us.

Hewitt to face Safin in final of Paris Masters
By MICHAEL McDONOUGH, Associated Press Writer

PARIS - Top seed Lleyton Hewitt reached the final of the Paris Masters by beating Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 on Saturday, setting up a clash against former champion Marat Safin.

Safin earlier defeated Spaniard Carlos Moya 7-5, 7-6 (4) to qualify for his third Paris Masters final in four years.

Hewitt sealed victory when Paradorn sent a backhand long. The rising Thai star had saved two match points with stunning backhands down the line, and bowed to the cheering crowd after his defeat.

"He's probably the hottest player on Tour at the moment," Hewitt said of his opponent, who took his second career title in Stockholm last week. "It was an extremely tough match and I'm just happy to be through to the final."

Paradorn, 23, had never before reached the semifinals in a Masters Series event and was making his debut in Paris.

"This is my first time to play here. A semifinal, I think it's good enough," he said. "I look forward to coming back next year and doing better."

Hewitt hadn't dropped a set before playing Paradorn in the semis.

The Wimbledon (news - web sites) champion took the decisive break in their opening set when his opponent hit a backhand wide, then fell behind 2-0 in the second set after double-faulting.

Hewitt had a chance to break back at 3-1 down, but Paradorn fired a winning backhand down the line. He then hit a forehand winner, followed by an ace, to hold serve and move ahead 4-1.

After Paradorn tied at one set all, Hewitt broke for a 3-1 lead in the final set. But Paradorn broke back immediately thanks to a forehand passing shot, then held serve to tie at three games all.

The turning point came in the seventh game, when Paradorn wasted three break points, two of them by hitting the ball into the net.

"If I had broken him, I would have put on my red T-shirt, symbol of victory, and I would have finished him off," Paradorn said.

Instead, he kept his white T-shirt on while the Australian held serve, then broke him.

Hewitt took a 40-0 lead in the final game. Paradorn saved the first match point with a backhand down the left, and survived the next with a backhand down the right. He conceded defeat with a long backhand service return.

For no apparent reason, the French crowd jeered Hewitt for much of the match and after his win. Asked whether the public's hostile attitude had affected his game, Hewitt replied tersely: "No."

Hewitt is now 4-1 against Paradorn, who had won their last encounter, in this year's Tokyo quarterfinals. The Thai player beat Andre Agassi in straight sets in the second round at Wimbledon and defeated Andy Roddick in the Paris quarterfinals. He said he expected to finish in the world top 20 after his performance in France.

Hewitt, 21, is tied 3-3 with Safin, who won their last match in the Hamburg Masters quarterfinals.

"Marat's probably one of the most talented guys on the Tour," Hewitt said. "He's playing extremely well. I'm going to have my work cut out."

The third-seeded Russian fired 13 aces to Moya's four and produced 30 winners, while the Spaniard had only 14.

Safin clinched their first set with a drop shot. At 6-5 down in the second set, Moya had to save a match point with a service winner. He won the game thanks to errors from Safin on the two remaining points, sending the match into the tiebreaker.

Safin opened the last game with an ace. At 4 all, Moya hit a long service return and sent a backhand into the net to set up Safin's second and final match point. The Russian raised both fists with delight after sealing the win with a forehand down the line.

Safin won the title here in 2000, the year he took the U.S. Open (news - web sites), and was a finalist in 1999. Asked why he performed so well at Bercy's indoor stadium, he replied: "It's my destiny."

"Lleyton's playing great, he's had a beautiful season," Safin said of his rival in Paris. "He doesn't make many presents, but he doesn't make any winners, he doesn't kill you."

A runner-up at the Australian Open (news - web sites) last January and a semifinalist at the French Open (news - web sites), Safin has yet to win a title this year. He is nevertheless qualified for the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai, China, next month.

The 22-year-old will also likely play for Russia in the Davis Cup final against titleholder France at Bercy.

After Saturday's win, Safin was asked if he thought he would play as well in the Davis Cup. The French crowd jeered loudly while Safin, looking exasperated, replied: "It's just a sport, nothing else."

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Saturday, 2 November, 2002, 18:13 GMT
Hewitt to meet Safin

Lleyton Hewitt was made to fight all the way by Paradorn Srichaphan before securing his place in the final of the Paris Masters.

The world number one will meet Marat Safin on Sunday, after the Russian earlier came through in straight sets against Carlos Moya.

Hewitt made a strong start to his semi-final but soon found his Thai opponent in the kind of form that has seen him race up the rankings.
The Australian did well to hold on for a 6-3 3-6 6-3 victory as he looks to boost his lead at the top of the rankings.

After taking the opening set comfortably, Hewitt dropped the second as Srichaphan found a rich vein of form, firing winners from the back of the court.

At 3-3 and 0-40 down in the final set, the top seed was staring defeat in the face, but he fought back to take the game and, ultimately, the match.

"I took it one point at a time to get those three points back," said Hewitt.

"After that I told myself 'that's the turning point.' I had to take my chances when I could."

Third seed Safin was in relaxed mood against Moya having sealed his qualification for the end-of-season Masters Cup.

And it showed in the quality of his play as the Russian's serve proved impregnable.

Moya could not engineer a single break point and Safin came through 7-5 7-6 (7-4).

Moya, who has also qualified for the Shanghai finale, looked slightly jaded after epic wins over Sebastien Grosjean and Andre Agassi this week but Safin was supreme.

"I'm playing better, much better. I'm feeling good," he said.

"Until the US Open (this season) I couldn't even make the second round, I was playing terrible. Slowly I'm getting into good shape. Now I have just nothing to lose.

"I hope I can play like this for another few weeks, for the Davis Cup final and (the Masters Cup) in Shanghai."

The 22-year-old, who is yet to win a title this year, faces world number one Lleyton Hewitt in the final.

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Saturday, 2 November, 2002, 16:00 GMT
Gamewatch: Hewitt v Srichaphan

All the action as top seed Lleyton Hewitt beats Paradorn Srichaphan to reach the final of the Paris Masters.

Latest action appears first.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 6-3 Srichaphan
Hewitt cruises to 40-0 with some big serving. Srichaphan saves two match points with stunning backhand passes but a relieved Hewitt wraps up the win as the Thai sends a looping return just long.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 5-3 Srichaphan
With the pressure back on him, Srichaphan starts to push too hard. A backhand pass from Hewitt brings up two break points and he looks to be home and dry as the Thai surrenders the game with a netted backhand.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 4-3 Srichaphan
Hewitt is under intense pressure as he slips to 0-40 with a netted forehand. But the world number one responds with some aggressive serving to save all three and Srichaphan's chance goes begging.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 3-3 Srichaphan
Srichaphan continues to raise his game. He brings up three game points with an ace and a pair of brilliant backhand winners before closing it out with a forehand pass.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 3-2 Srichaphan
Srichaphan refuses to throw in the towel and a double fault leaves him with two chances to break back. Hewitt saves the first but Srichaphan lets out a roar of delight as a scorching forehand pass leaves his opponent beaten.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 3-1 Srichaphan
Srichaphan gifts Hewitt a golden chance to break with a double fault and a netted forehand for 0-30. Two more mistakes from the Thai hand Hewitt the breakthrough.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 2-1 Srichaphan
Hewitt races to 40-0 with some big serves and holds in impressive style with an emphatic drive volley.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 1-1 Srichaphan
Srichaphan begins with a lucky net cord and sets up two game points with a great recovery at the net. A booming serve does the rest as the Thai squares the match.

Hewitt 6-3 3-6 1-0 Srichaphan
Hewitt recovers from the loss of the second set to hold his serve with ease.

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Hewitt 6-3 3-6 Srichaphan
Srichaphan shrugs off the pressure of serving to level the match against the world number one. He forces a deciding set with an ace.

Hewitt 6-3 3-5 Srichaphan
Hewitt unleashes a fierce backhand winner at 30-30 as his frustrations almost boil over. Srichaphan questions two line calls which turns the crowd even more in his favour, much to the displeasure of the Australian.

Hewitt 6-3 2-5 Srichaphan
Srichaphan responds to the challenge with impressive poise. He holds comfortably and is one game away from levelling the match.

Hewitt 6-3 2-4 Srichaphan
Hewitt piles the pressure back on Srichaphan with a business-like service game, holding to love.

Hewitt 6-3 1-4 Srichaphan
Hewitt demonstrates his trademark fighting qualities by creating three break points. Srichaphan saves the first when Hewitt nets a passing shot and produces two stunning backhand winners to survive the second and third. An ace clinches a vital hold.

Hewitt 6-3 1-3 Srichaphan
Hewitt is struggling to stay in touch, with Srichaphan in complete control. But the Australian gets underway in the second set and silences the pro-Srichaphan crowd, if only temporarily.

Hewitt 6-3 0-3 Srichaphan
Srichaphan consolidates the break with an emphatic service game - Hewitt looking increasingly frustrated.

Hewitt 6-3 0-2 Srichaphan
A thrilling rally on the second point of the game sparks Srichaphan back into life. He produces an incredible drop shot off a fizzing Hewitt backhand and goes on to earn his first break point. Hewitt delights the Thai fans by double-faulting.

Hewitt 6-3 0-1 Srichaphan
Srichaphan recovers from the loss of the first set with a solid service game.

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Hewitt 6-3 Srichaphan
Hewitt again finds himself 0-30 down but his serve once more gets him out of trouble. Two pinpoint first serves followed by an ace earn him a set point and Srichaphan puts a backhand long to lose the set.

Hewitt 5-3 Srichaphan
Hewitt steps up a gear and earns his first break point. Srichaphan unleashes a trademark flashing forehand but it flies wide and Hewitt is suddenly serving for the set.

Hewitt 4-3 Srichaphan
Hewitt looks set to impose himself on the match, but a couple of stunning winners from the Thai put the Australian on the back foot again. He recovers from 30-30 to hang on.

Hewitt 3-3 Srichaphan
Srichaphan continues to look the more comfortable player and again holds with ease.

Hewitt 3-2 Srichaphan
An ace seals a hold for Hewitt but Srichaphan is causing the world number one problems.

Hewitt 2-2 Srichaphan
An impressive love service game from the Thai, whose forehand is in supreme form.

Hewitt 2-1 Srichaphan
Hewitt again finds himself facing danger at 15-30 but a well-placed first serve followed by an ace get him out of trouble.

Hewitt 1-1 Srichaphan
Srichaphan gets off to a solid start, rallying with Hewitt from the baseline and forcing the Australian into mistakes.

Hewitt 1-0 Srichaphan
A sluggish start from Hewitt who double faults to go 15-30 down but Srichaphan is unable to take advantage and the world number one holds serve to 30.

Hewitt Increases Lead over Agassi

Hewitt, who currently leads the ATP Champions Race, increased his lead over second-place Andre Agassi by 20 points, extending the gap between himself and the 32-year-old American to 63 points. Agassi lost earlier on Friday to Carlos Moya and cannot add to his Champions Race total until the Tennis Masters Cup 11 days from now in Shanghai when a total of 150 points will be up for grabs.



Hewitt’s pinpoint passing shots and topspin lobs kept Federer from playing his attacking game and also kept Federer from reaching his third Masters Series semifinal of the year after reaching the final at TMS Miami (l. to Agassi) and winning TMS Hamburg (d. Safin).

“There were a few games there, once I was up the early break in the first set, that he had a lot of breakpoints to break back,” said Hewitt. “I thought it was a pretty good standard of tennis out there today. I'm pretty happy to be through in straight sets against Roger.”

Federer was already guaranteed a spot in the year-end Tennis Masters Cup for the first time in his career when Tim Henman lost in the round of 16 on Thursday.

Hewitt can extend his lead over Andre Agassi by another 25 points with a win on Saturday and could take a formidable 118 point lead into Shanghai with a tournament victory in Paris as the Race for No. 1 reaches its climax.

“This is my best result in Paris -- into the semis,” said Hewitt. “I think it's tough for all the guys this time of the year, you know. There's so much riding on these matches for a lot of guys to make the Masters Cup and that.”

Hewitt, Federer Win In Paris To Create Quarterfinal Clash

http://www.sportsmediainc.net/tennisweek/
By Richard Pagliaro
10/31/2002

Yevgeny Kafelnikov had watched helplessly for a half an hour of his third-round BNP Paribas Masters match as Lleyton Hewitt ran down his best shots and painted precise replies that landed near the lines with all the ease of a painter plopping a delicate dab of color on the canvas.

Finally, the former French Open champion seemed to have Hewitt out of position as he raced to the net behind a deep approach shot only to watch Hewitt run right, stop suddenly a lunge to loft a lob that hung in the air as if suspended by a string before settling softly near the baseline. The shot gave Hewitt the first set and left a disbelieving Kafelnikov looking like an art historian who had watched someone swipe the smile of the Mona Lisa's face right in front of his eyes.

The top-ranked Hewitt showcased his sharp strokes in scoring a 6-2, 7-6 (7-3) victory over Kafelnikov to set up a picturesque Parisian quarterfinal with Swiss stylist Roger Federer. The eighth-ranked Federer avenged an Australian Open setback to Tommy Haas by registering a 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) victory over the ninth-seeded German.

Federer trails in his head-to-head meetings with Hewitt, but he's bolstered by the fact he beat Hewitt, 6-3, 6-4, at the Nasdaq-100 Open in Key Biscayne to snap Hewitt's North American hard-court win streak.

"He's getting more and more consistent," Hewitt said of Federer after that match. "This could be a pretty big breakthrough year for him."

It has been an uneven season for Federer, who destroyed Marat Safin to win the Tennis Masters Series-Hamburg title on clay, but failed to fully follow up that momentous match with a strong performance in the season's final three Slams.

Federer has the ability to play attacking tennis and believes he has an edge playing on the indoor carpet where he hopes to assert his authoritative serve against one of the game's best returners.

"I think he has more victories than losses against me," Federer said of Hewitt. "But I think this time I have a chance. I believe indoors I'm dangerous for him."

The 21-year-old Federer unleashed a lethal serving display against Haas, slamming seven aces, winning 30 of his 31 first-serve points (96 percent) and saving the only break point he faced in the match.

Though Federer had not won a match at the Paris Indoor event prior to this year's tournament and had not played on Centre Court before today, he looked right at home from the baseline where he consistently challenged Haas in a battle between two of the top one-handed backhands in men's tennis.

"It was not easy because I didn't play a match on Centre court before today," Federer said. "Fortunately he had a lot of trouble with my first serve. I was able to mix it up and when I was down, I tried to become more aggressive."

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Hewitt reaches Paris Masters quarterfinals

Thu Oct 31,10:49 AM ET
By MICHAEL McDONOUGH, Associated Press Writer

PARIS - Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt overcame several lapses of concentration to beat Russia's Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-2, 7-6(3) Thursday and reach the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters.

The top-seeded Australian sealed victory with an ace on his first match point. He next faces Switzerland's Roger Federer, who advanced by beating Tommy Haas of Germany 6-2, 7-6(2).

"He's got so much talent, and if he's on, he's an extremely tough opponent to play," Hewitt said of Federer, seeded eighth here. "He's a shot-maker. He plays with a lot of flair."

Tim Henman's chances of reaching the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai, China, were greatly reduced when he lost 6-4, 6-2 to Frenchman Nicolas Escude. Thai player Paradorn Srichaphan also reached the quarters in Paris by beating Guillermo Canas 6-1, 6-4.

Hewitt streaked through his first set against Kafelnikov and broke for a 2-1 lead in the second. Kafelnikov broke back but lost his next service game.

Serving at 4-3 up, Hewitt appeared to lose his concentration, and a series of errors allowed his opponent to move ahead 5-4.

But the Russian's edge was short-lived, and by the 12th game he was clapping in admiration as Hewitt retrieved an almost impossible shot and hit a winning forehand into the corner.

In the tiebreaker, Kafelnikov double-faulted twice, and Hewitt set up match point with a superb forehand winner down the line.

The Australian now has a 6-1 win record against Kafelnikov, who has lost their last three matches, including a semifinal at last year's U.S. Open.

Kafelnikov, seeded 14th here, has said his priority this year is the Davis Cup. He will almost certainly represent Russia in next month's final against titleholder France in Paris, and has said he may retire if Russia wins.

A possible Davis Cup opponent for Kafelnikov is France's Escude, who easily beat the sixth-seeded Henman. He could meet Russian Marat Safin, another likely Davis Cup foe, in the quarters.

Henman's defeat ensured that Juan Carlos Ferrero will go to the Masters Cup. He is the fourth player to qualify, after Hewitt, Safin and Andre Agassi. Henman will be ruled out of the elite eight-man event if Carlos Moya wins his third-round match in Paris later Thursday.

Thailand's Paradorn, fresh off a win at the Stockholm Open last week, upset the 16th-seeded Canas of Argentina to secure his quarterfinal berth at Bercy. He next faces either Andy Roddick or Romania's Andrei Pavel.

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Friday November 1, 07:56 AM
http://au.news.yahoo.com/021101/2/gz9l.html

Hewitt ousts Kafelnikov in Paris

Top seed Lleyton Hewitt moved a step closer to the season-ending world number one ranking and simultaneously booked his passage into the Paris Masters Series quarter-finals by motoring past Russia's Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-2 7-6 (7-3).

Joining Hewitt in the last eight - as well as the Masters Cup season finale in Shanghai next month - was Swiss eighth seed Roger Federer, who secured his ticket for China by defeating German ninth seed Tommy Haas 6-2 7-6 (7-2).

Hewitt and Federer will now face off for a place in Saturday's semis - where the Swiss believes he has a good chance.

"I think he has more victories than losses against me but I think this time I have a chance. I believe indoors I'm dangerous for him," Federer insisted.

Hewitt extended his lead in the ATP Champions Race over second seed Andre Agassi to 53 points - though Agassi could close that gap by ten points later Thursday by beating Sweden's Thomas Johansson.

For a set he gave no quarter to Kafelnikov, whose mind is clearly focused on the Davis Cup final in Paris next month.

He broke in the third and seventh games, a delicious lob securing him the advantage after just 31 minutes.

Kafelnikov must have had visions of receiving the kind of pasting he took at the Aussie's hands in their most recent meeting at last year's US Open semi-final, where he won just four games, Hewitt on that occasion stretching his head-to-head lead to 5-1.

But the 28-year-old Russian dug in and bagged the Hewitt serve twice - only to concede his own twice more to force things to a tiebreak.

Hewitt, without a title since his fourth of 2002 at Wimbledon, didn't look a gift horse in the mouth as, having recovered from a minibreak against him, he twice benefited from double faults by the Russian.

A bludgeoned forehand which prompted a clenched fist and trademark cry of "come on" gave Hewitt match point and he aced his way through at the first time of asking.

Herald-Sun

Hewitt books quarters spot
From correspondents in Paris
01nov02

TOP seed Lleyton Hewitt has moved a step closer to the season-ending world No.1 ranking and booked his passage into the Paris Masters Series quarter-finals by defeating Russia's Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-2 7-6 (7-3).



Joining Hewitt in the last eight – as well as the Masters Cup season finale in Shanghai starting on November 12 – is Swiss eighth seed Roger Federer, who secured his ticket for China by defeating German ninth seed Tommy Haas 6-2 7-6 (7-2).
Haas' loss allowed Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero to ensure qualification for Shanghai.

Elsewhere, Thai star Paradorn Srichaphan continued his rise to fame by gunning down Argentine 16th seed Guillermo Canas, who had beaten the Thai three times in as many previous meetings, 6-1, 6-4.

But there was gloom for British sixth seed Tim Henman, as he all but conceded his Shanghai slot in going down 6-4 6-2 to Nicolas Escude of France, who out-hit and out-thought him.

Six double faults were evidence of Henman's failings and if Carlos Moya of Spain beats Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean later today Henman will miss the plane to China – unless he makes it as a reserve.

The same fate befell the Briton here last year as he missed out on the Masters Cup in Sydney.

Hewitt, who next meets Federer, is not worried about ranking rival Andre Agassi breathing down his neck.

"I'll just worry about Andre if I get to the final and he's on the other side of the net," he laughed.

Hewitt, who came here after sitting out Madrid with a virus – a recurring problem for him – says he will be wary of his next rival.

"He's a shotmaker and plays with a lot of flair. Hopefully I can go up another peg tomorrow," said the Aussie who added that against Kafelnikov his serving had let him down at times in the second set.

Federer says he fancies his chances against Hewitt.

"I think he has more victories than losses against me but I think this time I have a chance. I believe indoors I'm dangerous for him," Federe insisted.

Hewitt extended his lead in the ATP Champions Race over Agassi to 53 points – though Agassi could close that gap by 10 points later today by beating Sweden's Thomas Johansson.

Kafelnikov must have had visions of receiving the kind of pasting he took at the Aussie's hands in their most recent meeting at last year's US Open semi-final, where he won just four games, as Hewitt sped through the first set.

The 28-year-old Russian dug in and forced the second set to the tiebreak but Hewitt, without a title since his fourth of 2002 at Wimbledon, then benefited from two double faults by his opponent before acing his way to victory.

"Federer Express" and Hewitt Set for Quarterfinal Clash

Eight-seed Roger Federer became the first player to advance to the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Masters when he scored a 6-2, 7-6(2) win over No. 9 seed Tommy Haas in Paris Thursday. This marks the the 21-year old's first quarterfinal effort at the Paris Tennis Masters Series after having encountered first-round losses both in 2000 and 2001.



"Fortunately, he had a lot of trouble with my first serve. I was able to mix it up a little bit, and every time I was down, I tried to become more aggressive and force him. And it was paying off," said the Swiss, who revenged his five-sets loss against the German in the fourth round of the Australian Open in the beginning of the season.

In the quarterfinals the Swiss faces the tough task of meeting reigning Tennis Masters Cup champion Lleyton Hewitt, who scored a 6-2, 7-6(3) win over Yevgeny Kafelnikov. The 21-year-old Australian is battling against Andre Agassi for the prestigious World No. 1 ranking and leads the 32-year-old American by only 43 points for the top spot in the 2002 ATP Champions Race.

"I think a lot of guys wouldn't be able to do it at 32, but he's in such great shape that, you know, I'm not even going to put a time line on when he's going to finish. He's moving as well as ever. His fitness is definitely not dropping off," said the Australian, who holds a total of 722 points after having advanced to the Paris quarterfinals.

The two have played against each other six times in the past, and the Hewitt holds a 4-2 record against the Swiss. The last time they met was at the NASDAQ-100 Open in Miami, when Federer scored a 6-3, 6-4 win over the Australian in the semifinals.

"Well, it's always difficult to play against him. I think he has more victories than losses against me, but I think this time I have a chance. It doesn't mean I'm going to win, but I believe indoors I'm dangerous for him," Federer said about his chances in Friday's clash.

"He's got so much talent. If he's on, on any given day, he's an extremely tough opponent to play. I've got to go out there and play my game. I know that he's going to hit some unbelievable shots out there," said Hewitt about his up-coming opponent.

Hewitt lines up Federer, Henman out

Posted on Thursday, October 31, 2002 - 18:29

Top seed Lleyton Hewitt piled the pressure on Andre Agassi with a comprehensive 6-2 7-6 victory over Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the third round of the Paris Masters on Thursday.

While Agassi says he does not pay attention to Hewitt's progress, he would have been secretly hoping for a Kafelnikov victory which would have enabled him to close the gap on the Australian at the top of the Champions Race.

Hewitt was pushed hard in the second set by Kafelnikov but always appeared to have an extra shot in his locker, and so it proved as he romped through the tiebreak.

Hewitt will next face eighth seed Roger Federer in the quarterfinals after the Swiss player's impressive 6-2 7-6 victory over Germany's Tommy Haas.

The 21-year-old, who had lost two of his three meetings with the ninth-seeded Haas, controlled the rallies from the baseline in the first set, breaking serve twice, and although Haas offered more resistance in the second set he paid dearly for a sloppy tiebreak.

"It was not easy because I didn't play a match on centre court before today," said Federer, who had never won a round in Bercy in two previous visits.

"Fortunately he had a lot of trouble with my first serve. I was able to mix it up and when I was down, I tried to become more aggressive."

Federer is now in fifth place in the Champions Race standings, just 10 points behind Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero who is already out of the tournament.

Defeat for Haas, who failed to win a title this year, means he can no longer qualify for the Masters Cup.

Henman crashes

Briton Tim Henman suffered a major blow to his hopes of reaching the Masters Cup when he was overwhelmed 6-4 6-2 by a rampant Nicolas Escude in the third round on Thursday. Henman, who also saw his hopes of reaching last year's Masters Cup go up in smoke at this event when he lost to Julien Boutter, suffered at the hands of another Frenchman in front of a raucous Paris crowd.

After service breaks were swapped earlier in the first set, Escude achieved a crucial break at 4-4 as Henman's nerve failed him.

After saving three break points Henman served his second double fault of the game and Escude then passed him with a blistering backhand.

Henman lost his serve to love in the fifth game of the second set and was broken again to trail 5-2, again to love. Escude then served out to book his place in the quarterfinal against either Marat Safin or Sjeng Schalken.

If Spaniard Carlos Moya beats reigning champion Sebastien Grosjean later, Henman will slip out of the top seven in the Champions Race and therefore miss out on the Masters Cup.

Hewitt in a hurry
From correspondents in Paris
October 30, 2002

WORLD No.1 Lleyton Hewitt has taken little more than an hour to beat Finland's Jarkko Nieminen 6-2 6-4 in his opening match at the $US2.8 million ($5m) Paris Masters.

Hewitt, who is locked in a race with American veteran Andre Agassi for the Champions Race top spot, will face Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the third round after being handed a bye in the first round.

Going into the tournament, the 21-year-old was 43 points ahead of Agassi as he tries to finish No.1 for the second consecutive year.

But the Australian said winning Wimbledon was his real priority in 2002.

"If somebody had said I would win Wimbledon but not be No.1 I would have taken that," he said.

"It would be fantastic to finish top but if Andre is too good then that's fine."

Hewitt was forced out of the Masters Series in Madrid with a virus, allowing Agassi to close the gap.

"I had to miss Madrid on doctor's orders so that cost me a few points, I could be further ahead now," Hewitt said.

"But my health is more important than playing another couple of tennis matches."

Agassi also won his opening match in Paris, although he was made to fight much harder by Argentine Gaston Gaudio before going through 6-4 6-7 (1-7) 6-4.

Agence France-Presse

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Fit-again Lleyton ready for Agassi
| Sports Watch ... 30 October 2002 |

Andre Agassi is breathing down his neck, but Australia's Lleyton Hewitt is ready for the challenge as the duo battle for the year-end No.1 spot.

Both men have already achieved the feat and Hewitt, once the hunter, is now the hunted.

Agassi stands only 43 points behind him with a potential clash in the Paris Masters final as well as the Masters Cup in Shanghai ahead of them.

Hewitt swatted Finn Jarkko Nieminen 6-2, 6-4 to reach the third round of the Paris Masters, where he next meets Russia's Yevgeny Kafelnikov after being handed a bye for the first round.

Hewitt, laid low with a virus, could only watch as Agassi closed the gap to its current wafer-thin margin with victory in the Madrid Masters Series earlier this month.

But he is not allowing the pressure to get to him as the season reaches an exciting climax.

Of more concern is the toll constant globe-trotting is having on his health - something which comes with the territory, particularly if you hail from Down Under.

"It's tough for Australians with so much flying you've got to do - it's one of the worst things," Hewitt said.

"There's no place like home - but mine's a long way away from here," Hewitt added, admitting that his combative style was an additional hindrance that meant his "tank" was empty by late in the season.

Hewitt said winning Wimbledon was his year highlight - but even then, back in early July, his batteries were starting to run flat.

"Pretty much the day after Wimbledon I just wanted to lie in bed for two or three weeks," he said.

Given his desire to find additional time to support girlfriend Kim Clijsters at her tournaments whenever possible, Hewitt said her family home in Belgium was a welcome port in Europe.

But he clearly yearns for his end-of-year rest at home before the merry-go-round begins again with the build-up to the Australian Open.

Last year, Hewitt won the Masters Cup in his homeland and this year feels he has improved overall, despite several bouts of illness which have made him vow not to push himself beyond the limit, world No.1 ranking or not.

"It really hasn't been my choice not to play too many matches," he said.

"But there's a lot more to my health than going out and playing a couple of tennis matches.

"I lost a few ranking points (by missing Madrid) - but so be it. The decision was out of my hands."

Hewitt agreed with Agassi that it always takes a match to get into an event.

Agassi looked well off his best in seeing off Argentina's Gaston Gaudio in his opening match earlier today, 6-4 6-7 (1-7) 6-4.

Hewitt looked a little rusty as he twice dropped serve against Nieminen.

"Our first matches - I don't think you can read too much into it - it's just a question of getting a win on the board," Hewitt said.

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