Hewitt Sinks Ferrero to Claim Rotterdam Crown
Sun February 22, 2004 11:41 AM ET

By Pritha Sarkar
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (Reuters) - Lleyton Hewitt trampled on an exhausted Juan Carlos Ferrero to capture the World Indoor tournament with a 6-7, 7-5, 6-4 victory on Sunday.

The win earned the Australian sixth seed an early birthday present of 161,800 euros ($204,800), as he turns 23 on Tuesday, and a double celebration with his Belgian fiancee Kim Clijsters, who had triumphed at the Antwerp Diamond Games just 40 minutes earlier.

By lifting his 21st singles title, Hewitt also booked his passage back into the world's top 10 when the new ATP rankings are released on Monday.

"This is my first trip here and it's an incredible feeling to win here on my first attempt," the Adelaide baseliner told the crowd.

Ferrero had been on a quest to avenge his defeat by Hewitt in the Davis Cup final in November but from the outset he faced an uphill task.

The Spaniard appeared to have little left in his reserves after playing 124 games -- 43 more than Hewitt -- to reach the final.

He had won his last three matches in third-set tiebreaks and the signs of exhaustion were clear from the start.

The steely determination Ferrero had shown in his previous matches seemed to have evaporated into the gray clouds of the Dutch port city when he tamely surrendered his serve in the opening game of the contest.

BELTED WINNERS

However, Ferrero initially refused to be fazed as he knew he had the goods to last the distance.

Hewitt prowled the baseline and belted down the winners to take a 2-0 lead only to see Ferrero level the score a couple of games later.

With the players unable to break the deadlock, the set headed into a tiebreak.
The Ferrero juggernaut simply overran Hewitt in the decider, the Australian not even registering on the scoreboard until the sixth point.

A volleyed winner and an 185-kph ace combined with numerous unforced errors by Hewitt presented Ferrero with five set points.

The Spaniard needed only one and sealed it with a breathtaking passing shot that even left Hewitt applauding.

The seventh game of the second set became a real test of nerves when Hewitt was stretched to seven deuces.

Ferrero let two break points go begging before an immensely relieved and fist-pumping Hewitt held on after the Spaniard floated a backhand wide.

That proved to be the turning point as Hewitt kept Ferrero at bay and leveled matters after one hour 53 minutes with a break in the 12th game.

Hewitt kept hunting for an opening to finish the contest in the third set and found it in the 10th game.

Ferrero finally bowed out after two hours and 39 minutes, handing Hewitt the trophy with a backhand error.

Hewitt greeted the moment by falling flat on his back, satisfied with the thought that his name will join the impressive list of winners that adorns the hoardings at the Ahoy arena.


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Hewitt back in top 10
February 23, 2004

LLEYTON HEWITT has won his second tournament of the year from three starts. He's won 14 of 15 matches. He's returned to the world's top 10, and he's regained the Australian No.1 ranking from Mark Philippoussis.

Hewitt's three-set victory over Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final of the Rotterdam indoor tournament today came as his fiancee, Kim Clijsters, lifted the women's trophy in Antwerp and Joachim Johansson – the boyfriend of Hewitt's sister, Jaslyn – won his first ATP event in America.

They pocketed a combined $553,000 to go towards the wedding, or Hewitt's 23rd birthday bash tomorrow.

Hewitt can blow out his candles safe in the knowledge he's back to ninth on the world rankings, one ahead of Philippoussis, and fourth in the year-long Champions Race.

Hewitt and Clijsters are keeping pace – 21 career titles each.

In previous years the groom-to-be has spent the last week watching his bride-to-be playing in Belgium but this year he packed his bags and entered the Rotterdam draw.

Hewitt strung together emphatic straight-set wins over Fernando Gonzales, Thomas Johansson, Rainer Schuettler and Tim Henman before going the distance against Ferrero, the French Open champion and new world No.2.

"I didn't fancy doing nothing this week and as Rotterdam is close to Antwerp, I decided to come here," said Hewitt after beating Ferrero 6-7 (1-7) 7-5 6-4.

"I really stepped it up match by match. You look at the five guys I've beaten to win the tournament, it's a pretty good field.

"From the baseline we were having a bit of a slug-fest out there today. I just had to try to hang in there and find a way to win."

Ferrero added: "Hewitt fought like a lion."

Hewitt will do well to find a wedding ring that impresses Clijsters as much as the trophy she won today, a racquet which had 1702 diamonds encrusted in four kilograms of gold.

"It is one of the most beautiful trophies of the year," she said.

Clijsters downed Silvia Farina Elia 6-3 6-0 in the final of the Diamond Games decider just 40 minutes before Hewitt's win.

Johansson, the 22-year-old Swede who teamed up with Jonas Bjorkman to beat Todd Woodbridge and Wayne Arthurs in a crucial Davis Cup rubber in Adelaide, defeated Germany's Nicolas Kiefer 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 at the St.Jude Classic at Memphis, Tennessee.

-The Australian
 

Hewitt follows Clijsters into winner's circle
Sun 22 February, 2004 17:58

By Pritha Sarkar

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Lleyton Hewitt's decision to enter the World Indoor Tournament instead of supporting his fiancee Kim Clijsters in Antwerp proved to be a smart move as both emerged winners on Sunday.

In the past, Hewitt had spent the week in Belgium watching the progress of Clijsters at the Antwerp Diamond Games.

However, he wanted a change this year and earned himself an early birthday present by lifting the Rotterdam indoor crown on his first visit to the Dutch port city with a 6-7 7-5 6-4 win over Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final.

"I didn't fancy doing nothing this week and as Rotterdam is close to Antwerp, I decided to come here," he said.

When asked if he planned a big celebration with Clijsters, he replied: "No not really, it won't be that much."

Hewitt, who turns 23 on Tuesday, followed Clijsters into the winner's circle just 40 minutes after she had picked up the sparkling diamond racket trophy in Belgium.

This was the second time the pair, who were engaged in December, have triumphed on the same day.

The first couple of the tennis world both won at Indian Wells last March and are now set to play a charity 'love match' on April 17 in Clijsters's home town of Bree on April 17.

"I don't know much about it but I'll just turn up," said Hewitt.

"They (organisers) asked me if I would be willing to play and it fitted in with my schedule so I said 'for sure'."

The celebrations in the Hewitt household could be trebled later on Sunday.

Promising Swede Joachim Johansson has been dating Hewitt's sister Jaslyn for two years and will be bidding to win his first ATP singles title in Memphis against Nicolas Kiefer. [n.b. J.J. did win!]

http://www.abnamrowtt.nl/

Ferrero: “One set too many”
22-2-2004 | 21:33

The 31st ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament lasted a little too long for Juan Carlos Ferrero. The Spaniard, who will rank second in the world as of tomorrow morning, had the better opportunities during the second set. He had two breakpoints during the seventh game, but failed to use them.

“Lleyton fought like a lion, and appeared to be incredibly fit. He seemed to be wherever I played the ball. Admittedly, he has played fewer sets this tournament. I had two opportunities, but missed one by hitting a stray forehand and the other by hitting the ball in the net.” Ferrero was disappointed, but not dejected: “I have played several great matches here, and was nearly knocked out of the tournament. Maybe it was simply one set too many.” “Lleyton Hewitt is playing well. He previously ranked first in the world, and he’s on his way back. I feel fully-recovered, and intend to play in Marseille next week, so that I can gain additional indoor experience.’’



Hewitt: “Thank you, Juan Carlos!”
22-2-2004 | 20:13

Although he had promised to practise his Dutch, Lleyton Hewitt ended up speaking in English.

“First and foremost I’d like to thank Juan Carlos. He has played excellent tennis all week, and had to fight his way through several tough matches. To top it all, he played another fantastic match today. It was a tough contest, and he refused to budge an inch. Thank you, Juan Carlos!”

“I would also like to thank Richard Krajicek. Several of my fellow-players had already told me this was a fantastic tournament, and it is. Richard Krajicek has done his best for Dutch tennis, and he has done everything possible to make the tournament a success.”

“I additionally want to thank my coach Roger Rasheed for everything he’s done. We’ve played a few great doubles matches together, but above all he has been a fantastic coach.”

“The crowd was fantastic and I take my cap off to them. Although most tournaments attract plenty of visitors, they tend to prefer the semifinals or final. Ahoy’ was also busy on Monday afternoon. It was fantastic to experience.”



Lleyton Hewitt wins final
22-2-2004 | 18:31

Lleyton Hewitt has won the 31st ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. The Australian, who was seeded sixth, beat Juan Carlos Ferrero (2) during an exciting final that lasted 2 hours and 39 minutes, and saw plenty of excellent tennis (6-7 (1), 7-5, 6-4).

Hewitt won the toss and elected to receive. A smart decision bearing in mind that Ferrero is known to be slow out of the starting block. Hewitt immediately forced a breakpoint, and pocketed the opening game. Ferrero started the second game well, but was unable to make the most of two breakpoints, giving his opponent a 2-0 lead. The Spaniard broke back two games later, following a miss-hit by Hewitt. With the score at 2-2, Ferrero survived three further breakpoints, taking a 3-2 lead.

Although both players slowly got into the match as the set progressed, Ferrero again proved why he is the king of the tiebreak here in Rotterdam, taking the first set 7-6 (7).

Winning the first set boosted the Spaniard’s confidence, and he experienced very few difficulties during the second set. Hewitt survived two breakpoints in the seventh game, (which went to deuce no less than six times), taking a 4-3 lead. The Australian placed himself in the driving seat, came close to forcing a break in the tenth game, but had to wait until the twelfth to take the second set (7-5).

In spite of making an excellent start, Ferrero soon felt the after-effects of his previous three-setters against Van Lottum, Sluiter and Mirnyi. Lleyton Hewitt simply appeared fitter and stronger. The Spaniard survived a breakpoint in the second game, managed to win the fourth (which went to deuce twice), but finally lost his service in the tenth. Hewitt used his second matchpoint to win the title, playing a powerful forehand that forced Ferrero into a mistake. Having won the tournament during his debut year, the delighted winner threw himself to the ground. Mission accomplished.



Record number of tennis enthusiasts
22-2-2004 | 19:54

Lleyton Hewitt has won the 31st ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, held at the Ahoy’ sports centre in Rotterdam between 16 and 22 February 2004. He beat Juan Carlos Ferrero during a blood-curdling final, which went to three sets (6-7 (1), 7-5, 6-4). Ahoy’ was completely sold out and welcomed its 104,739th visitor today (an increase of 22% compared with last year). As a result, the record set in 1999 (96,049) was comfortably broken.

The 31st ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was all about superlatives: the highest-ranking players in the world, including five Dutch top-100 players, a completely revised and improved visitors’ programme, and considerable media coverage, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Says Tournament Director Richard Krajicek: "We’ve had a very good tournament. Great tennis, happy players, and delighted visitors. I think it would be fair to say that the tournament was a great success."

Record number of visitors
The tournament was visited by a record number of tennis enthusiasts. No less than 104,739 fans visited the Ahoy’ sports centre in 2004. The 100,000th visitor, Tatjana de Visser from Zoetermeer, was placed in the limelight just before the final. The ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament was off to an excellent start on 15 February, when several players participated in a tennis match on the river Maas (on a pontoon-based court). Tennis Plaza, the promotional village inside the Ahoy’ sports centre, allowed tennis fans to enjoy light refreshments or (window-) shop for tennis accessories. Several players participated in the highly-popular tennis clinics, Meet & Greet sessions, interviews and autograph sessions at the ABN AMRO Court and fashion shows. Activities like Kids Day, Family Day, the Service Cannon and photograph sessions with the Wim Buitendijk Trophy helped turn the tournament into a memorable event.

www.abnamro.nl/wtt: 4,5 million page-views!
The popularity of the official tournament website (www.abnamro.nl/wtt) was also unparalleled. The site attracted some 60,000 unique visitors a day, who viewed no less than 4,5 million pages (this number excludes visitors who followed matches via the online scoreboards). As a result, the site ranked among the busiest in the Netherlands.

The 32nd ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament will be played between 14 and 20 February 2005 at the Ahoy’ sports centre in Rotterdam.

ABN AMRO WORLD TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Rotterdam
FEBRUARY 22, 2004
www.atptennis.com


Hewitt Halts Ferrero's Brave Rotterdam Run

Lleyton Hewitt has charged to fourth place in the INDESIT ATP 2004 Race after stopping Juan Carlos Ferrero's brave Rotterdam run in the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament final on Sunday. Hewitt collected his 21st ATP title by defeating the Spaniard 6-7, 7-5, 6-4.

Hewitt, the INDESIT ATP Race winner in 2001 and 2002, surged to fourth from eighth after collecting 50 points for his second title of the season. Hewitt is now 14-1 on the year, having won the Rotterdam and Sydney titles. His only loss of 2004 came to eventual champion Roger Federer in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

Ferrero, who had won three consecutive third-set tie-breaks to reach the final, improved one place to third in the INDESIT ATP 2004 Race. Ferrero's toughest victory came in the quarterfinals against Dutchman Raemon Sluiter when he won 12-10 in the third-set tie-break after saving two set points.

In contrast, Hewitt did not drop a set en route to the final despite meeting quality opposition: Fernando Gonzalez, Thomas Johansson, Rainer Schuettler and Tim Henman.

Hewitt, who turns 23 on Tuesday, took an early 2-0 lead in the first set of the final but Ferrero bounced back to force a tie-break, in which he took an early 5-0 lead and eventually won it 7-1. On his way to victory Hewitt broke the Spaniard’s serve in the last games of the second and third set; the only breaks of serve in the remainder of the match.

Hewitt climbs back into the Top 10 in the INDESIT ATP Entry Ranking and will overtake Mark Philippoussis to be the No. 1 Australian by moving into ninth position. Ferrero will retake second place from Andy Roddick, who moved to No. 2 last Monday.


HANLEY AND STEPANEK WINS IN FIRST TRY AS A TEAM
Australian Paul Hanley and Czech Radek Stepanek defeated Israelis Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-5 in the doubles final to win their their first title as a team.

In a match with only two breaks of serve Hanley/Stepanek won the last three games of the match to seal victory in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Hanley and Stepanek both won their seventh ATP doubles title. Hanley defended a title for the first time in his career having won in Rotterdam together with Wayne Arthurs last year. Erlich and Ram were looking for their fourth career triumph.


WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID:
Hewitt: “It was an extremely tough match. It was never going to be easy, I had to play my best tennis and Ferrero played extremely well. Every time we’ve played against each other we have had very tough matches. This was just another one of those. He is a tough opponent, he doesn’t give you too many cheap points. It was going to be a tough match, I dug deep today and kept fighting. It’s always a pleasure playing Juan Carlos, he is such a great competitor.

“I’m very happy, it was a very high standard match today. The first set could have gone either way, the same with the second and third. From the baseline we were having a bit of a slugfest out there. I just had to try to hang in there and find a way to win.

“I really stepped it up match by match. You look at the five guys I’ve beaten to win the tournament, it’s a pretty good field. I’ve really enjoyed the week. I’m happy to get my second title of the year.

“It’s a great tournament. It’s my first time here and Richard Krajicek has put on a wonderful event. It’s been a real pleasure to play in front of this crowd."

Ferrero: “I played a lot of sets, I think it was too much. In the third set I wasn’t feeling as comfortable as I had wanted. He had played fewer sets than me and he was playing very good at the end. He was playing very solid with no mistakes. He was fighting all the time like always. It’s always difficult to beat him.

“I’m disappointed but I also think I could have lost in third set of the second or third round or in the quarterfinal so I had a lot of luck this week. To lose in the final 6-4 in the third, of course I am little bit sad but it was a good tournament."

Hanley: “Radek is a great player and I was looking to defend this title. The Australian swing was a little bit disappointing but it’s good to get a tournament again early in the start of the year, it gives me a lot of confidence. I have never defended a title before, it was one of my goals at the beginning of the year."

Stepanek: “I think it’s the biggest title for me. I was trying to do my best to help Paul defending the title."

play by play of the final. www.eurosport.com

16:49 Lleyton Hewitt captures his second title of 2004, his 14th win of the year, with the one loss coming at the Australian Open... top form, top player, he'll most definately be challenging in the latter part of Grand Slams before long...

16:49 A Hewitt backhand winner sets up MATCH POINT NUMBER TWO... Ferrero again takes his time to serve, the Spaniard hits a forehand out... GAME SET MATCH HEWITT 6-7 7-5 6-4!!!

16:47 From a comfortable service hold at 40-15, to HEWITT MATCH POINT, Ferrero is worried... first serve into the net, second deep... backhand to backhand rally, Hewitt hesistant... DEUCE

16:41 Confidence abound in Hewitt's game, he holds serve for the loss of one point, as a series of scrambled rallies goes his way... 5-4

16:38 Ferrero holds serve for 4-4... he continues to play three yards behind the baseline

16:35 A love service game for Hewitt, looking the stronger of the pair, he holds a 4-3 lead... Ferrero throws his racket to the air as another missed return heads to the net

16:33 Ferrero mixing up his serve now, to keep Hewitt guessing. The sixth seed hitting deep returns making Ferrero off-balance at times, however the Spaniard holds for 3-3

16:29 The 22-year-old Australian holds serve with ease in contrast to Ferrero's struggles, 3-2

16:25 Hewitt with chances again, again, he lets them slip! Ferrero playing all his tennis at the baseline, exposing the angles of the court to a crafty opponent... Ferrero holds a tight service game again for 2-2

16:21 Ferrero standing still, one yard from the net, misses a smash, hitting it just wide... Hewitt smiles... Juan Carlos scowls

16:18 The former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion holds serve, continuing to hit fewer and fewer second serves... at times it is reminiscent of when he ruled the ATP tour... Ferrero having to hit a lot of backhands... 2-1

16:15 Hewitt forces Ferrero the make a volley at the net, the Spaniard does, hitting into space... 1-1

16:14 BREAK POINT HEWITT... Ferrero missing first serves too often as Hewitt works hard for the chance... Ferrero down the middle to the Aussie's backhand... Hewitt dumps it, then bounces his racket on the court surface... Lars Graf, the chair umpire doesn't issue a code violation (yet)... DEUCE

16:07 Hewitt holds serve for the loss of one point, the entire stadium silent in awe of the excellent tennis... 1-0

16:05 Hewitt once again serving first, this may prove crucial towards the end of the first set when the slightest chance could be taken...

16:03 THIRD CHANCE FOR HEWITT... Ferrero falling back on a second serve... a hesistant first effort goes into the net... the Spaniard goes short to the backhand, Lleyton guesses right and whacks crosscourt, Ferrero scrambles up, but falls into the net... HEWITT fists pumped takes the SECOND SET 7-5! GAME ON!

16:02 SET POINT HEWITT... Ferrero serves deep, but Hewitt returns a forehand out, a second chance goes begging

15:59 Hewitt reacts positively for 6-5, with a love service hold... no serivce breaks so far this match... [sic: in the set - they exchanged services early in the 1st set]

15:56 Hewitt surely with an easy winner, short forehand putaway... NO... what is he doing... Ferrero scrambles up and holds ADV... ACE... for 5-5... is that a costly error from Hewitt?

15:54 SET POINT HEWITT... Ferrero rakes his time as the crowd cheer loud... Ferrero forehand screamer, Hewitt left standing "Vamos!!!" DEUCE

15:53 Breathing space for Hewitt... Ferrero 0-30... the Australian nets a backhand and starts a tirade of four letter words... 15-30; Ferrero smash winner with Hewitt scrambling at the back... 30-30

15:49 Hewitt swaggering around the court now, confident in his ability to hold serve and force Ferrero in to a mistake... the Australian will surely be in the top five players in the world come Roland Garros... consistentcy pays, HEWITT 5-4

15:46 Ferrero wins an eleventh point in a row on serve... 4-4

15:42 In a game that takes 11 minutes Hewitt screams "C'mon" after holding for 4-3... both players know the importance of that game...

15:40 Once again Hewitt screams out in disgust... he's struggling to hold serve at 3-3 here... a net cord on first serve causes a murmour

15:38 BREAK POINT FERRERO... Hewitt hits an ACE to get back to DEUCE... he's getting fired up now...

15:30 Both players exchange routine service holds, 3-3... a tie-breaker even at this stage beckons...

15:23 A small band of Ferrero supporters are urging the Spaniard on now, Hewitt once again with chances to break, but doesn't 2-2

15:19 Hewitt holds confidently once again, the two-time World champion hitting a high percentage of first serves for a 2-1 lead

15:16 Ferrero survives as Hewitt scrambles... the Australian gets within one point of breaking, but Ferrero is able to kick serve out wide to hold for 1-1

15:12 Hewitt leaves the tie-break behind him and holds serve

15:12 Hewitt opens up the second set with a service hold 1-0

15:06 And the Spaniard draws first blood drawing Hewitt into the net and then stunning him with an unreachable cross-court back hand

15:05 After just under forty-five minutes Hewitt faces five set points...

15:04 A cheap mistake by Ferrero gives Hewitt his first point and the players change ends

15:04 Make that five, Ferrero clocks a 185kph ace right on the T

15:03 Hewitt cracking round the edges as the Spaniard takes a four point lead

15:02 An enormous rally finally sees the Aussie put the ball long, is this slipping away from Lleyton Hewitt? 3-0 Ferrero

15:01 Ferrero takes an early lead 2-0

15:01 As expected this match is going right down the wire, and we have a first set tie-break

14:52 Hewitt looking under pressure there, but stepping up to smash home two mid-court volleys and Ferrero is denied what for a moment looked like a late-break opportunity

14:48 Ferrero racks up a much more confident service game and Hewitt has to serve to stay in the first set

14:45 A lightning fast service game from Hewitt puts the former French Open winner's service under attack once again, can Ferrero hold this key game?

14:44 Ferrero holds on to his service, but isn't hitting the lines like the former world number one

14:42 Hewitt hasn't dropped a set so far this tournament while Ferrero has been taken to 3 sets in all but one of his matches, could this closly fought final come down to a question of staying power?

14:39 Hewitt wins a solid service game, wrong footing his oppenent twice with his deep groundstrokes

14:34 Ferrero takes the lead for the first time closing out the game with an unreturnable service straight down the middle

14:30 A superb drop-shot from Hewitt has Ferrero lunging forward...he just gets it over...but can do nothing to prevent the ensuing smash from the Australian

14:28 Some blistering ground strokes from Ferrero, replying to everything Hewitt threw at him and the Spaniard breaks back and is back in the first set

14:23 Ferrero picks up his first game of the match with a determined service game, but Hewitt's got the early break and looks fired up

14:17 A long rally gives both players the chance to find their depth, but an inside-out forehand gives Hewitt the point and ultimately the game

14:16 The nerves going both ways, Hewitt plugs a double fault and gives the umpire a piece of his mind over a very late correction

14:14 A hesitant start from the Spaniard, three unforced errors give Hewitt the break, one love to the Aussie

14:09 Ferrero to serve first...

14:07 The players are out on court

08:00 Welcome to eurosport.com/co.uk's live coverage of Rotterdam, where a pair of former world number ones contest the championship match. The final begins from 14:00cet!

Hewitt can beat anyone Feb 21

Lleyton Hewitt would be happy to play either Juan Carlos Ferrero or Max Mirnyi in tomorrow’s final. "I’ve been hitting the ball well over the last six months, and feel capable of beating anyone. I quite like the surface here in Rotterdam (Greenset). It took a while to get used to, but having played two doubles and four singles matches it feels good. Mind you, the bounce of the ball isn’t always true, so I have to stay alert."

The Australian beat Tim Henman for the seventh time running. "We have battled it out in the past. We were well matched when we played at Stuttgart and Queen’s. I am not sure why I manage to beat him every time, but I enjoy playing someone who goes on the offensive. I played some good passing shots, making it difficult for Tim to guess where I would play the ball next."

Hewitt will prepare for the final as he prepares for any other match. "It feels good to be in the final - it’s not something I do every day. I don’t think it will be easy - I’m either playing someone who’ll come in to the net at every opportunity (Mirnyi), or a solid baseline player who’ll fight for every point. Either way, it will be a tough match."

Lleyton Hewitt has reached the final of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, convincingly beating Tim Henman 6-3, 6-3.

As was the case during their previous six encounters, Hewitt reigned supreme. The Australian immediately went on the offensive, breaking Henman’s service as early as the third game. His attacking play and superb passing shots were a joy to watch, and occasionally drove his opponent to despair. Hewitt again broke the Englishman’s service in the ninth game, going on to take the set 6-3.

Tim Henman staged an impressive comeback at the beginning of the second set, breaking Hewitt’s service during the opening game. The Australian appeared unbothered, and broke back in the fourth game to level the score at 2-2. Having returned to the driving seat, Hewitt brought the match to a quick conclusion. He again broke Henman’s service (to love) in the eight game, taking a commanding 5-3 lead. His subsequent service game was a mere formality.

"It was not quite as easy as it looked," Hewitt said.

HENMAN MUST END HEWITT HOODOO
sportinglife.com

Tim Henman continued his amazing run of results against world number one Roger Federer on Friday, but now must meet his own nemesis in Lleyton Hewitt.

Henman's 6-3 7-6 (11/9) success over top seed Federer in the quarter-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam made it six wins for the Briton in their seven encounters.

However, his record against semi-final foe Hewitt is as poor as that statistic is superb, the Australian having won all six of their previous meetings.

"Going into a match knowing that you have previously beaten your opponent does wonders for your self-confidence," reflected Henman.

"I've had a good record against Roger. I wanted to make sure I was the one dictating the play. That first set gave me good confidence and I just took it from there.

"Unfortunately Hewitt has won all of our previous six encounters, which I'm clearly a lot less happy about."

Hewitt booked his passage by beating Germany's Rainer Schuettler 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 but insists he will be taking nothing for granted against Henman.

Hewitt said: "I'm going to have to play extremely well, return well and get a lot of balls back. My last two matches have been pretty tough.

"You don't always want really tough matches but I've had to come through a lot of tough situations in the past two days."

Max Mirnyi will take on Juan Carlos Ferrero in the other semi-final.


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Hewitt into semis
Sportal

Lleyton Hewitt has reached the semi finals of the World Indoor Tournament after recording a straight-sets victory over Rainer Schuettler in Rotterdam.

The 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 victory sets up a showdown with British fifth seed, Tim Henman who recorded a straight-sets win over world No.1 Roger Federer.

Hewitt was made to fight hard by Schuettler and it was only a second-set injury to the German’s finger which eased the pressure on the Australian.

In a tight opening set, Hewitt grabbed a break in the seventh game only to have an angry Schuettler break back immediately and force the set into a tie breaker.

Hewitt raced to a 4-0 lead but then threw away his first three set points before converting the fourth.

In the second set, the German lost control of his racquet in the fifth game and tore a finger nail with the injury drawing blood.

Hewitt sensed his opportunity and said after the match that he was just waiting for his chance to finish off the German.

"I think we both had a lot of chances on each other's serves. We don't make too many mistakes. We both put a lot of pressure on our return games." he said.

"I was on his serve a lot more in the second set. I thought I had a lot more chances to break, up love-30. I was just waiting to break."

Henman claimed a 6-3 7-6 (11-9) win over Federer in a high-quality contest ending the Swiss player's 16-match winning streak.

The Briton claimed the first set after breaking Federer’s serve in the eighth game but both players succumbed to the pressure and faltered on serve twice each in the second set.

The set was forced to a tiebreaker and the Swiss champion raced to a 5-1 lead but Henman held his nerve, forced the tie back onto level pegging and went on to claim the match.

Reigning champion Max Mirnyi eased into the last four with a 6-4 7-6 (7-3) victory over Finland's Jarkko Nieminen.

The Belarussian is aiming to become the fourth player to win the tournament back-to-back and will have to overcome Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero if he is to keep the dream alive.

Ferrero defeated local Raemon Sluiter 2-6 6-4 7-6 (12-10) in the day's final quarter-final match to progress through to the meeting with Mirnyi.

After a slow start the Spaniard picked up his game and for the second consecutive night, knocked out a Dutchman in a third-set tie breaker.

Quarter final results from ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament
5-Tim Henman (Great Britain) bt 1-Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6-3 7-6 (11-9)
2-Juan Carlos Ferrero (Spain) btRaemon Sluiter 2-6 6-4 7-6 (12-10)
6-LLEYTON HEWITT (Australia) bt 3-Rainer Schuettler (Germany) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3
Max Mirnyi (Belarus) bt Jarkko Nieminen (Finland) 6-4 7-6 (7-3)

Hewitt beats Schüettler
20-2-2004 | 16:06
Official ABN AMRO site

Lleyton Hewitt (6) secured a place in the semifinals by beating Rainer Schüttler (3) 7-6 (5) 6-3. The Australian needed 95 minutes to reach the last four.

There was little to separate the players during the first set, which saw a combination of wonderful rallies and unforced errors. Although Hewitt passed up on several breakpoints during the fifth game, he broke Schüttler’s service in the seventh, taking a 4-3 lead. The German immediately broke back, levelling the score at 4-4. The same sequence of events unfolded in the eleventh game, when Schüttler handed Hewitt the game by serving a double-fault. Again the German broke back, taking the set to a tiebreak. Hewitt made the most of Schüttler’s run-in with one of the linesmen, and quickly established a 4-0 lead. Again the German clawed back, assisted by a double-fault on the part of Hewitt. The Australian subsequently used his fourth setpoint to clinch the set.

Losing the tiebreak clearly unsettled Schüttler, and he immediately faced a breakpoint during his first service game. Although he held the game, Hewitt broke his service in the fourth game to go 3-1 up (admittedly with the help of the net). To add to his misery, Schüttler also injured his fingernail. Both men held their service for the remainder of the set, giving Hewitt the opportunity to serve for the match at 5-3.

"Rainer refused to budge an inch, so it wasn’t an easy match," Hewitt explained afterwards. "I am happy to be in the semifinals. I really can’t predict who I’ll play next. But I’m happy to play either Federer or Henman – my aim is to reach the final."

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Hewitt the working class hero in hard-slogging win over Schuettler
1 hour, 12 minutes ago

ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands (AFP) - Hard-slogging Lleyton Hewitt clawed his way into the semi-finals of the 842,000-euro Rotterdam World tennis event with a gritty winning performance over third seed Rainer Schuettler.

Hewitt, seeded fifth and playing the event in this no-nonsense home of the world's largest container port, put his tennis work ethic on display to a warm reception, as he produced a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 trip into the final four.

Schuettler, a hard man of the game like Hewitt who reached the 2003 Australian Open final through sheer grinding determination, suffered with a bloody fingernail problem which required several trips on court from the trainer.

But the German hung tough on the way to defeat against former world number one Hewitt, who now awaits a high-profile opponent when top seed Roger Federer puts a 16-match win streak on the line against the last man to beat him, Brit Tim Henman.

Raemon Sluiter, the 2003 losing finalist and last local standing, faces a test against second seed Juan Carlos Ferrero, who will be taking on his third Dutchman in as many matches.

Hewitt secured the semis on his second match point from Schuettler's error.

"Rainer's a great competitor, I had to work for every point," said Hewitt. "This is my first time here and I'm doing well, I'm into the semi-finals and enjoying it so far.

"Winning the Davis Cup last year gave me a lot of confidence and I'm looking to get back into the Top ten," said the world number 13.

The hard-charging Hewitt, fuelling himself with a few of his trademark "c'mons," polished his record to 12-1 this season, his only loss coming against Federer in the fourth round of the Australian Open.

By contrast, Schuettler endured a horror 0-3 start to the season before kicking in at Rotterdam.

Defending champion Max Mirnyi continued to play the role of quiet destroyer, eliminating Finn Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) in their quarter-finals to little fanfare.

But the Belter from Belarus doesn't mind staying out of the spotlight.

In fact, the pressure is all on his better-recognised opposition at the Ahoy stadium.

"I don't feel any pressure like I did last year," said the world Number 22, who broke his duck with a first career title here a year ago. "It was much worse last year.

"But it was such a relief to finally get that first trophy. I've had some doubles success, but that doesn't necessarily mean people expect you do do well in singles."

Hewitt and Schuettler exchanged breaks twice in the opening set before it went into a decider. The Australian, who turns 23 on Tuesday, took a 4-0 lead, only to double-fault and ace before regaining balance.

A Schuettler double gave Hewitt four set points; he wasted three (including another double-fault) before a winning forehand down the line.

Schuettler began feeling the pain from his nail injury in the second set, was local some of his efficiency.

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Hewitt Beats Schuettler to Reach Rotterdam Semis
Fri Feb 20, 9:18 AM ET
By Pritha Sarkar

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (Reuters) - Lleyton Hewitt scraped into the semi-finals of the World Indoor Tournament with a 7-6, 6-3 win over third seed Rainer Schuettler Friday.

The Australian's victory set up semi-final showdown with either world number one Roger Federer or British fifth seed Tim Henman (news).

Hewitt, whose only defeat this year has been to Federer in the fourth round of the Australian Open (news - web sites), ground out his win in one hour 53 minutes after Schuettler faded in the second set following a finger nail injury.

"I'm happy to get through to the semis here on my first visit here," said sixth seed Hewitt.

In a tight opening set, Hewitt grabbed the first break in the seventh game after his German opponent miscued a forehand into the net on break point.

Schuettler displayed his frustration by loudly muttering to himself and repeatedly slamming his racket into the advertising hoardings during the changeover.

Spurred by his anger, Schuettler immediately broke back after forcing Hewitt to slam a forehand into the net.

The 11th game summed up the day for Schuettler. He won a spectacular first point when a lunging Hewitt failed to make contact with the ball after a lengthy rally. Five points later, the German had dropped his serve once again with a tame double fault.

Although Schuettler managed to grab the break back, a fist-pumping Hewitt charged to a 4-0 lead in the tiebreak.

The Australian wasted his first three set points before he let rip a blistering forehand winner on the fourth and greeted the moment with a reverberating cry of "Come on."

In the second set, a bloodied finger nail, caused by the racket flying out of his hand in the fifth game, added to Schuettler's woes.

Hewitt pressed on for victory and clinched the match when Schuettler slapped a sloppy forehand into the net.

Champion Max Mirnyi slipped through the draw quietly to reach the last four with a 6-4, 7-6 win over Finland's Jarkko Nieminen.

The towering Belarussian captured his first singles title at the Dutch port city 12 months ago and will want to continue his run Saturday against either second seed Juan Carlos Ferrero or local favorite Raemon Sluiter.

Federer will be on a mission to extend his career best 16-match winning streak against nemesis Henman.

Henman was the last player to beat the Wimbledon (news - web sites) and Melbourne Park champion in an ATP sanctioned event back in October at the Paris Masters.

In fact the only time the Briton, who boasts a 5-1 head-to-head record against the Swiss, has lost to Federer was when he had to retire with a neck injury at Miami two years ago.

Spaniard Ferrero will once again have to deal with a partisan crowd as he takes on a Dutch opponent for the third day running at the Ahoy arena. Rotterdam-born Sluiter, runner-up 12 months ago, will be aiming to avoid the same fate as compatriots Dennis Van Scheppingen and John Van Lottum in Friday's last quarter-final

19 Feb 2004

Lleyton Hewitt has reached the quarter-finals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Although Thomas Johansson had the opportunity to cause a major upset, he allowed the Australian to slip from his clutches: 7-6 (6) 7-6 (3).

Hewitt sung Johansson’s praises after the match: “Thomas is a tough opponent. He moves well and plays a solid all-round game.” And yet the 22-year-old Australian did not have a great match. The former No 1, who is seeded sixth, made a lot of unforced errors in an attempt to keep the pressure on Johansson.

Having lost his first service game, the Swede managed to level the score at 4-4. He nevertheless lost the first set in the tiebreak, after surviving two setpoints. Hewitt also struggled during the second set. Although Johansson broke the Australian’s service in the fifth game, he was unable to make the most of his advantage. Hewitt broke the Swede back (to love) in the tenth game, and went on to win the second tiebreak.

“Schüttler will prove a difficult opponent. He’s another baseline player, and I think it will be a challenging quarter-final,” said Hewitt.