Hewitt versus Federer: an enticing showdown

 

Roar Rookie

By Daniel Tilley, 30 Jun 2008 Daniel Tilley is a Roar Rookie

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 Federer, Lleyton Hewitt, Roger Federer, statistics, Tony Roche, Wimbledon

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He shows the Australian spirit we love. He’s our number one tennis star. His name is Lleyton Hewitt. But do Australian’s really want to see him win? Or do they revel in an unlucky loss?

Lleyton Hewitt is well-known for his mental toughness, his never-say-die attitude and great skill that has seen the former world number one reach great heights on the court.

Nobody can doubt his passion and desire on court, though it is often his etiquette on and off the court that tarnishes his image.

Should we be more interested in the image he sets or rather the achievements that he possesses on court?

As Australia’s last singles hope at Wimbledon, Lleyton Hewitt is set to face the mighty Roger Federer in the fourth round at the All England club.

Hewitt has battled through the opening week of the tournament, suffering from a hip injury, whilst Federer has been his usual clinical self and in the process notched up his 64th straight victory on grass.

Wimbledon has become Federer’s backyard, and he seems the perfect fit for the most prestigious tennis event of the year.

His class, style and precision capture the Wimbledon tradition. They both seem to have that aura. When one says ‘Wimbledon’, hardcore tennis fans say ‘Federer’. Just like strawberries and cream.

Statistics look ominous for Hewitt, with Federer dominating their last eleven meetings, and in doing so, only he has conceded four sets.

Hewitt with statistics, match play and fitness all against him, looks vulnerable. But isn’t that how Hewitt likes it to be? The Aussie fighter, given little chance by anyone, but knowing deep down what he is able to achieve.

There is one common denominator to success in this match: Federer’s former coach, and Hewitt’s present mentor, Tony Roche.

There is no doubt that Roche will know the ins and outs of Federer’s game, but Hewitt is aware it will take more than that to topple the champion.

“Rochey’s obviously going to know a lot, there’s no doubt about that,” Hewitt said.

However, he was quick to state that plans need to be reflected by actions. “You’ve still got to go out there and execute it”.

The match up is an intriguing one, with Federer’s, class, elegance and control, up against Hewitt’s tenacity, determination and skill.

There is no doubt that Hewitt’s strengths will have to be at their best to compete. But aren’t these strengths the same that can get Hewitt in hot water?

Is it that he is a bad sport, or more that he just wants to do anything to win?

Surely Australians are behind our number one tennis star.

He shows many of the attributes that Australians pride ourselves on, but is often deemed to overstep the mark. His passion, desire, and fighting ability are second to none, whilst Federer possesses his Swiss precision, the calmness and control that we all admire, but can’t possess.

If only Hewitt could be more “Federer-like” at times, all of Australia could celebrate the achievements displayed.

Are you going to support the one with the win-at-all-costs attitude, or the one with ice water running through his veins?

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