Lleyton Hewitt vs Cedrik-Marcel Stebe: Australian Open live scores, blog
Roar Guru By Alan Nicolea, 17 Jan 2012 Alan Nicolea is a Roar Guru
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- Australian Open, live blog, Lleyton Hewitt, Tennis
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Two time Grand Slam winner Lleyton Hewitt will look to ease his way into the Australian Open second round, as he takes on young German qualifier Cedrik-Marcel Stebe on Rod Laver Arena. Join us for live scores and blog tonight from 7pm ADST.
Despite being ranked 181 on the ATP tour, Hewitt enters his first round match against Marcel Stebe as a warm favourite to progress to the second round.
The 30 year old Australian is a seasoned Grand Slam player, and his experience should be enough to unsettle the young German.
However, Hewitt has struggled for court time over the past 12 months, withdrawing from both the 2011 French and US Open.
His most notable performance last year came at Wimbledon, where he pushed 5th seed Robin Soderling all the way before succumbing to the Swede in five sets.
If Hewitt can produce a similar performance on Rod Laver Arena, then he should have enough in the tank to outlast Marcel Stebe.
Marcel Stebe is a young player on the up. Currently ranked no. 83, the German progressed to his first ATP World Tour quarter-final last season in Stuttgart, with Nikolay Davydenko among his major scalps.
Such a result suggests that the German may have enough artillery in his arsenal to unsettle Hewitt during the opening stages of the match.
Prediction:
At just 21 years of age, expect Marcel Stebe to stick with Hewitt during the opening set. The German will relish the opportunity to play on centre court against one of the greats of Australian Tennis.
Hewitt however should come into his own as the match progresses. While it will not be a whitewash, expect the Australian to progress in three evenly contested sets.
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9:45am
Maardy said | 9:45am | Report comment
the match seemed one sided during the first two sets but in the third set stebe seemed to be dominating and in the fourth set lleyton jumped back from 5-1 down and won the match. just incredible
11:17pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:17pm | Report comment
Hewitt’s reward now is a second round blockbuster with great rival Andy Roddick. Should be a beauty…
Stebe on the other hand will rightfully rue how that fourth set got away from him. He tightened up significantly and Hewitt made him pay dearly. In just under four hours, Hewitt has prevailed:
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 7
Thanks for joining us and we look forward to your company next time here on TheRoar.
11:28pm
Kobie said | 11:28pm | Report comment
Thanks for the commentary! Great stuff Lleyton well done go whip Roddick now!
11:13pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:13pm | Report comment
GAME SET AND MATCH HEWITT
Hewitt from 5-1 down in the fourth set has come back and defeated German Marcel Stebe. The final score:
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 7
11:12pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:12pm | Report comment
30-40 Hewitt. Stebe with a solid volley.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 6
11:11pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:11pm | Report comment
Two match points for Hewitt now.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 6
11:10pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:10pm | Report comment
15-30 Hewitt. Great backhand winner down the line from the young German who looks really tight here.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 6
11:08pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:08pm | Report comment
0-30 Hewitt. Unforced forehand error from Stebe
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 6
11:07pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:07pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt. Double Fault from Stebe.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 6
11:04pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:04pm | Report comment
Well what a turnaround this has been. Hewitt looked gone in that fourth set but Stebe has tightened up significantly here and Hewitt has pounced on his opponent’s inexperience on the big stage now.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 6
11:02pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:02pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds and he now leads 5-6 in the fourth set after being behind 5-1…
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 6
11:01pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:01pm | Report comment
40-30 Hewitt. Stebe with a nice forehand winner down the line
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 5
11:00pm
Alan Nicolea said | 11:00pm | Report comment
40-15 Hewitt as Stebe’ s forehand goes long.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 5
10:59pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:59pm | Report comment
Nice volley from Stebe.
30-15 Hewitt
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 5
10:58pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:58pm | Report comment
30-0 Hewitt with another ace.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 5
10:58pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:58pm | Report comment
Stebe has really tightened up here and Hewitt has taken advantage…..
15-0 Hewitt
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 5
10:57pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:57pm | Report comment
BREAK – Hewitt breaks the Stebe serve yet again and he has come back from 5-1 down to level at 5-5
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 5
10:56pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:56pm | Report comment
Two break points for Hewitt now as Stebe experiences a little bit of a choke here.
10:55pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:55pm | Report comment
15-30 Hewitt as Stebe misses an easy volley.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 4
10:55pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:55pm | Report comment
15-15. Unforced error from Hewitt.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 4
10:54pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:54pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 4
10:52pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:52pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds well and Stebe will once again serve for the fourth set. Can the german keep his nerve here?
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 4
10:51pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:51pm | Report comment
40-15 Hewitt. The Australian produces his seventh ace.
10:50pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:50pm | Report comment
Solid volley from Stebe and its 15 all
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 3
10:50pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:50pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt. Unforced error from Stebe.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 3
10:49pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:49pm | Report comment
BREAK – Hewitt gets one of the breaks back and its now 3-5 in the fourth set. A momentum change perhaps?
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 3
10:48pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:48pm | Report comment
Break point Hewitt now against the momentum
10:47pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:47pm | Report comment
30-15 Stebe. Another terrific backhand down the line from the young German. Its the match winning shot if he keeps it up.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 2
10:46pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:46pm | Report comment
15-0 Stebe. Good first serve from the German that Hewitt fails to return
10:44pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:44pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds nicely but Stebe will serve for the fifth set.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 2
10:42pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:42pm | Report comment
40-15 Hewitt
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 1
10:41pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:41pm | Report comment
15-15 and Stebe is looking very comfortable on his backhand side. Another winner from his racquet.
10:40pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:40pm | Report comment
Stebe is in the zone here. He holds with a nice backhand down the line.
Stebe 5 4 6 5
Hewitt 7 6 3 1
10:39pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:39pm | Report comment
Stebe races to 40-0 here on his serve. Looking too easy.
Stebe 5 4 6 4
Hewitt 7 6 3 1
10:38pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:38pm | Report comment
15-0 Stebe
Stebe 5 4 6 4
Hewitt 7 6 3 1
10:37pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:37pm | Report comment
BREAK – Stebe gets the double break and it has all turned upside down for Hewitt here. The German is full of life and looks a good bet to win this match.
Stebe 5 4 6 4
Hewitt 7 6 3 1
10:36pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:36pm | Report comment
Two break points now for Stebe here…
10:35pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:35pm | Report comment
Great backhand return from Stebe and Hewitt looks pretty forlorn in this fourth set.
15-30 Stebe
10:34pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:34pm | Report comment
For the last hour or so, All the positive energy has come from Stebe. Great to see from the young German.
15-15
Stebe 5 4 6 3
Hewitt 7 6 3 1
10:33pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:33pm | Report comment
Stebe holds with an ace and he leads now 3-1 in the fourth set.
Stebe 5 4 6 3
Hewitt 7 6 3 1
10:32pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:32pm | Report comment
40-30 Stebe,Unforced errors from Hewitt now.
10:31pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:31pm | Report comment
15-30 Stebe, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 2-1
10:30pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:30pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt. Unforced error from Stebe.
10:29pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:29pm | Report comment
Sorry for the delay guys. Its 2-1 now in the fourth set.
Stebe 5 4 6 2
Hewitt 7 6 3 1
10:22pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:22pm | Report comment
Stebe manages to hold and he consolidates the break. The German riding on a new wave of momentum here while Hewitt looks stiff
Stebe 5 4 6 2
Hewitt 7 6 3 0
10:30pm
HAMED KHATIZ said | 10:30pm | Report comment
Close one. Isn’t it ironic, that no matter who he is playing, he is playing at RLA, setting up for a five set marathon. On a working day too! Ha!
10:20pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:20pm | Report comment
30-30, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 1-0
10:19pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:19pm | Report comment
0-30 Hewitt. Double fault from the german.
10:18pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:18pm | Report comment
BREAK – Stebe breaks the Hewitt serve and this match now has a totally different complexion. Stebe well in the match here.
Stebe 5 4 6 1
Hewitt 7 6 3 0
10:17pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:17pm | Report comment
A backhand winner from Stebe just clips the net but they all count.
Break point Stebe
10:16pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:16pm | Report comment
Deuce, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 0-0
10:15pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:15pm | Report comment
Two break points for Stebe.
The german now finds himself with two break points here thanks to some fine hitting from the baseline.
10:14pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:14pm | Report comment
15-30 Stebe
10:13pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:13pm | Report comment
0-15 Stebe, 5-7, 4-6, 6-3, 0-0 fourth set.
Long rally ends in an unforced error from Hewitt
10:10pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:10pm | Report comment
THIRD SET FOR STEBE
Stebe has gone up an extra gear here and he has managed to win the third set against a lacklustre Hewitt.
Stebe 5 4 6 0
Hewitt 7 6 3 0
10:08pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:08pm | Report comment
Three set points for Stebe here and he deserves it.
10:06pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:06pm | Report comment
15-0 Stebe
10:06pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:06pm | Report comment
Forehand winner for Hewitt and he holds comfortably. Stebe to serve for the third set now…
Stebe 5 4 5
Hewitt 7 6 3
10:04pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:04pm | Report comment
40-0 Hewitt. Easy volley from the Australian that he puts away nicely.
10:03pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:03pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt, 5-7, 4-6, 5-2 3rd set
10:01pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:01pm | Report comment
Stebe holds with an ace and the German has come back to life now. He is on the verge of winning the third set
Stebe 5 4 5
Hewitt 7 6 2
10:00pm
Alan Nicolea said | 10:00pm | Report comment
40-15 Stebe, 5-7, 4-6, 4-2 3rd set
9:59pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:59pm | Report comment
30-15 Stebe. Hewitt mishits a forehand badly that goes into the crowd.
9:58pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:58pm | Report comment
Stebe going up another gear here…
15-0 Stebe
9:58pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:58pm | Report comment
BREAK – Stebe against all the odds breaks Hewitt’s serve and he leads now 4-2 third set.
Stebe 5 4 4
Hewitt 7 6 2
9:56pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:56pm | Report comment
15-40 Stebe. Terrific backhand winner down the line and its two break points for the German
9:55pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:55pm | Report comment
Strong forehand return from Stebe
15-15
9:54pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:54pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt. Another unforced error from Stebe
9:53pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:53pm | Report comment
Stebe holding comfortably on serve now in third set. He holds here with an ace.
Stebe 5 4 3
Hewitt 7 6 2
9:52pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:52pm | Report comment
40-0 Stebe. 5-7, 4-6, 2-2 3rd set.
9:51pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:51pm | Report comment
Nice forehand winner from Stebe.
15-0 Stebe
9:50pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:50pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds well and its now 2-2 third set.
Stebe 5 4 2
Hewitt 7 6 2
9:50pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:50pm | Report comment
40-30 Hewitt. Great crunching backhand return from Stebe. 5-7, 4-6, 2-1 third set
9:48pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:48pm | Report comment
30-15 Hewitt. Important ace from the Australian.
9:47pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:47pm | Report comment
0-15 Stebe. Another solid backhand winner down the line from the young German
9:46pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:46pm | Report comment
Overall Stebe has thus far given Hewitt a pretty good workout, particularly during the first set, when the german was making winners constantly from the backhand side. The second set saw him produce a lot of unforced errors and Hewitt managed to capitalise when it counted.
Stebe 5 4 2
Hewitt 7 6 1
9:42pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:42pm | Report comment
We have a slight delay as Stebe has called for the trainer. Chance for Hewitt to regain any energy his lost thus far.
9:41pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:41pm | Report comment
So far, its been a typical Hewitt performance with the Australian slowly squeezing the life from Stebe
9:40pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:40pm | Report comment
Stebe manages to hold thanks to an unforced backhand error from Hewitt.
Stebe 5 4 2
Hewitt 7 6 1
9:39pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:39pm | Report comment
40-15 Stebe. Good first serve from the German
9:38pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:38pm | Report comment
15-15, 5-7, 4-6, 1-1 3rd set.
9:37pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:37pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt, 5-7, 4-6, 1-1 3rd set.
9:36pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:36pm | Report comment
An unforced error from Stebe gifts Hewitt an easy hold.
Stebe 5 4 1
Hewitt 7 6 1
9:35pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:35pm | Report comment
40-30 Hewitt. Unforced forehand error from the Australian
9:34pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:34pm | Report comment
40-0 Hewitt. Unforced error from Stebe,,, one of many.
9:33pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:33pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt. Great volley at the net from Hewitt
9:32pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:32pm | Report comment
Nice forehand winner from Stebe allows him to hold comfortably.
Stebe 5 4 0
Hewitt 7 6 1
9:31pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:31pm | Report comment
40-0 Stebe, 5-7, 4-6, 0-0 3rd set
9:30pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:30pm | Report comment
15-0 Stebe, 5-7, 4-6, 0-0 3rd set
9:29pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:29pm | Report comment
Hewitt now grinding his way to victory in typical fashion. Too many unforced errors now coming from the racquet of Stebe.
Stebe 5 4 0
Hewitt 7 6 0
9:25pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:25pm | Report comment
SECOND SET GOES TO HEWITT
Hewitt now takes control of the match and leads 2 sets to love.
Stebe 5 4 0
Hewitt 7 6 0
9:24pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:24pm | Report comment
Three set points for Hewitt now. Great defensive skills from the Australian
9:23pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:23pm | Report comment
30-0 Hewitt. Great movement from the Australian as he defends a drop shot well and then finishes the point off with a volley
9:22pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:22pm | Report comment
Stebe has been hanging on for a while but Hewitt can put a nail in the coffin here if he can serve for the second set.
15-0 Hewitt
9:20pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:20pm | Report comment
After a couple of deuces, Stebe holds serve with an ace and its now 4-5 in the second set with Hewitt to serve for the second set.
Stebe 5 4
Hewitt 7 5
9:18pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:18pm | Report comment
Stebe saves another set point courtesy of a nice crosscourt flick backhand
9:17pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:17pm | Report comment
Another set point for Hewitt here…
9:16pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:16pm | Report comment
Stebe saves another set point courtesy of a great backhand winner crosscourt
9:16pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:16pm | Report comment
Advantage Hewitt, 5-7, 3-5 2nd set
9:15pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:15pm | Report comment
Stebe saves the set point with an ace.
9:14pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:14pm | Report comment
Set Point for Hewitt here against the Stebe serve
9:14pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:14pm | Report comment
Deuce, 5-7, 3-5 2nd set
9:13pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:13pm | Report comment
40-30 Stebe thanks to another great backhand winner down the line
9:13pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:13pm | Report comment
30-30 Stebe, Great backhand winner crosscourt from the young german
9:12pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:12pm | Report comment
15-30 Hewitt, 5-7, 3-5 2nd set
9:11pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:11pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt. Good backhand winner crosscourt from Hewitt
9:10pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:10pm | Report comment
Another easy hold for Hewitt and he now leads 3-5 second set
Stebe 5 3
Hewitt 7 5
9:10pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:10pm | Report comment
40-0 Hewitt, 5-7, 3-4 2nd set
9:09pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:09pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt. Good forehand down the line from Hewitt that Stebe can’t return
9:06pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:06pm | Report comment
Stebe holds and its now 3-4 2nd set.
Stebe 5 3
Hewitt 7 4
9:05pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:05pm | Report comment
Deuce, 5-7, 2-4 2nd set. Great lob from Hewitt proves too difficult for Stebe to control as he’s forehand goes wide.
9:04pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:04pm | Report comment
40 -15 Stebe. Nice forehand winner down the line from the german.
9:03pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:03pm | Report comment
30-15 Stebe. Unforced forehand error from the young german
9:02pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:02pm | Report comment
15-0 Stebe, 5-7, 2-4 2nd set
9:02pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:02pm | Report comment
Hewitt now holding his serves pretty comfortably here. He leads 2-4 2nd set.
Stebe 5 2
Hewitt 7 4
9:01pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:01pm | Report comment
40-0 Hewitt. Good first serve from the Australian.
9:00pm
Alan Nicolea said | 9:00pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt, 5-7, 2-3 2nd set
8:59pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:59pm | Report comment
Hewitt now starting to get on top here mentally. Stebe just looking a little flat now.
8:58pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:58pm | Report comment
BREAK – Hewitt pressures Stebe into unforced errors in that game and he now leads 2-3 2nd set.
Stebe 5 2
Hewitt 7 3
8:57pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:57pm | Report comment
15-40 Hewitt. Stebe saves a break point with a nice forehand winner
8:56pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:56pm | Report comment
0-40 Hewitt. Three break points for the Australian
8:55pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:55pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt. 5-7, 2-2 2nd set. Unforced backhand error from Stebe
8:53pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:53pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds very well and its 2-2 2nd set
Stebe 5 2
Hewitt 7 2
8:53pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:53pm | Report comment
Nice forehand down the line from Hewitt that Stebe fails to control.
40-0 Hewitt
8:52pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:52pm | Report comment
30-0 Hewitt, 5-7, 2-1 2nd set
8:52pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:52pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt, 5-7, 2-1 2nd set
8:50pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:50pm | Report comment
Stebe really struggling to hold serve in the second set but the german has done well to hold. He’s not going to go away without a fight.
Stebe 5 2
Hewitt 7 1
8:48pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:48pm | Report comment
Stebe finally holds his serve and its now 2-1 in the second set. We could be in for a very long evening here…
Stebe 5 2
Hewitt 7 1
8:47pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:47pm | Report comment
Advantage Stebe. 5-7, 1-1 2nd set. Another great backhand winner from the german
8:46pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:46pm | Report comment
Another break point for Hewitt…. Forehand from Stebe goes wide
8:45pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:45pm | Report comment
Duece once again on Stebe’s serve. Alot of unforced errors from both players now
8:44pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:44pm | Report comment
Advantage Stebe. Good ace from the German
8:43pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:43pm | Report comment
Another break point for Hewitt… Can the Australian finally convert here? 5-7, 1-1 2nd set
8:42pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:42pm | Report comment
Advantage Hewitt. Overhead smash from Stebe goes long. Another break point
8:41pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:41pm | Report comment
Good volley from the German saves a break point.
8:41pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:41pm | Report comment
Break point for Hewitt now… 5-7, 1-1 2nd set
8:40pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:40pm | Report comment
30-30, 5-7, 1-1 2nd set
8:39pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:39pm | Report comment
15-15, Good aggressive play from Hewitt, particularly from the forehand side forces Stebe into error
8:38pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:38pm | Report comment
15-0 Stebe, 5-7, 1-1 2nd set
8:37pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:37pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds well in the second set and its now 1-1.
Stebe 5 1
Hewitt 7 1
8:37pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:37pm | Report comment
30-30, 5-7, 1-0 2nd set. Good volley from the German at the net.
8:36pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:36pm | Report comment
30-15 Hewitt. 5-7, 1-0 2nd set. Good backhand shots from Stebe but Hewitt defends well and forces the german into error
8:34pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:34pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt. 5-7, 1-0 2nd set
8:33pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:33pm | Report comment
Stebe finally manages to hold and he leads 1-0 in the second set.
Stebe 5 1
Hewitt 7 0
8:32pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:32pm | Report comment
Advantage for Stebe now. Good ace from the German. 5-7, 0-0 2nd set
8:31pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:31pm | Report comment
Break point Hewitt yet again. Unforced error from the German
8:30pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:30pm | Report comment
Deue, 5-7, 0-0 2nd set. Good first serve from the German
8:27pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:27pm | Report comment
Advantage Hewitt. Unforced error from Stebe ends a nice long rally. 5-7, 0-0 2nd set
8:26pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:26pm | Report comment
Advantage Stebe. Great backhand down the line from the German. 5-7, 0-0 2nd set
8:24pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:24pm | Report comment
Break point for Hewitt. Stebe starting to produce some unforced errors now…
8:24pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:24pm | Report comment
Deuce, 5-7, 0-0 2nd set. Double fault from Stebe
8:23pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:23pm | Report comment
30-30, 5-7, 0-0 2nd set. Unforced forehand error from the German
8:21pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:21pm | Report comment
30-0 , 5-7, 0-0 2nd set. Nice drop shot from the German
8:21pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:21pm | Report comment
Stebe to serve first in the second set.
15-0 Stebe, 5-7, 0-0 2nd set
8:19pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:19pm | Report comment
FIRST SET TO HEWITT – The Australian holds his serve and wins the first set 7-5. Can the German maintain his enthusiasm here or will Hewitt grind him to the dirt?
Marcel Stebe 5 0
Hewitt 7 0
8:17pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:17pm | Report comment
Another Set point for Hewitt…
8:17pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:17pm | Report comment
Deuce, 5-6 first set. Stebe with a brave forehand winner down the line which saves a set point
8:16pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:16pm | Report comment
Set point Hewitt…
8:15pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:15pm | Report comment
30-15 Hewitt, 5-6 first set. Great wide serve from Hewitt and he then finishes the return off with a nice crosscourt forehand winner
8:13pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:13pm | Report comment
Hewitt to serve for the set here again…
0-15 Stebe, 5-6 first set. Great backhand return from the German and then he finishes the point off with a nice forehand winner
8:12pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:12pm | Report comment
Marcel Stebe 5
Hewitt 6
8:11pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:11pm | Report comment
BREAK – Hewitt breaks the Stebe serve again thanks to an unforced forehand error from the German.
Marcel Stebe 5
Hewitt 6
8:10pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:10pm | Report comment
Break point Hewitt, 5-5 first set. Hewitt finishes off that rally with a nice crosscourt volley at the net
8:08pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:08pm | Report comment
Deuce, 5-5 first set. Stebe with an unforced error
8:08pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:08pm | Report comment
I mean first set not first serve… apologies guys
8:07pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:07pm | Report comment
40-15 Stebe, 5-5 first serve. Good first serve from the german
8:06pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:06pm | Report comment
30-15 Stebe, 5-5 first serve. Unforced error from Hewitt
8:05pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:05pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt, 5-5 first set. Hewitt wins the point courtesy of a great backhand down the line that Stebe fails to control
8:04pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:04pm | Report comment
BREAK – Stebe gets the break back as a tame Hewitt produces too many unforced errors.
Marcel Stebe 5
Hewitt 5
8:03pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:03pm | Report comment
Two break points for Stebe now… Hewitt looking tight on serve
8:02pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:02pm | Report comment
15-15, 4-5 first set. Hewitt then follows up with a double fault
8:01pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:01pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt, 4-5 first set. Hewitt opens up with an ace.
8:01pm
Alan Nicolea said | 8:01pm | Report comment
The Hewitt break came against the run of play given that Stebe was beginning to dominate. He failed to convert his break point chances however and it appears that the german will pay the price.
7:59pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:59pm | Report comment
BREAK – Hewitt gets the break against the run of play and will now serve for the first set.
Marcel Stebe 4
Hewitt 5
7:59pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:59pm | Report comment
15-40 Hewitt, 4-4 first set
7:58pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:58pm | Report comment
Three break points now for Hewitt courtesy of a nice crosscourt forehand winner
7:57pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:57pm | Report comment
0-30 Hewitt, 4-4 first set
7:56pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:56pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt, 4-4 first set. Double Fault from Stebe
7:56pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:56pm | Report comment
Hewitt manages to hold serve and lets out another C’mon to the crowd. Stebe really testing him on serve.
Marcel Stebe 4
Hewitt 4
7:53pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:53pm | Report comment
Deuce, 4-3 first set. Unforced forehand error from Stebe
7:52pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:52pm | Report comment
Advantage Stebe. 4-3 first set. Stebe’s backhand causing Hewitt big problems here
7:51pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:51pm | Report comment
40-15, 4-3 first set. Hewitt looking for a comfortable hold here
7:49pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:49pm | Report comment
15-15, 4-3 first set
7:49pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:49pm | Report comment
0-15 Stebe, 4-3 first set
7:48pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:48pm | Report comment
Judging from the opening forty minutes, this match could go well into the night…
7:47pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:47pm | Report comment
Stebe holds and he leads now 4-3 in the first set.
Marcel Stebe 4
Hewitt 3
7:46pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:46pm | Report comment
40-15 Stebe, 3-3 first set. Stebe using his forehand to great effect as he opens the court and sends a Backhand winner down the line
7:45pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:45pm | Report comment
30-15 Stabe, 3-3 first set
7:44pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:44pm | Report comment
15-0 Stebe, 3-3 first set. Strong backhand from the German that Hewitt fails to handle well.
7:43pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:43pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds and yells C’mon to the crowd. Stabe putting him under pressure though…
Marcel Stebe 3
Hewitt 3
7:41pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:41pm | Report comment
Its back to deuce now, 3-2 first set
7:41pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:41pm | Report comment
Break point Stebe as Hewitt produces a double fault
7:40pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:40pm | Report comment
Advantage Hewitt. The Australian looking to hold his serve here after saving break point
7:38pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:38pm | Report comment
Break point Stebe… The german is finding is range on the backhand now.
7:38pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:38pm | Report comment
30-30, 3-2 first set. Hewitt produces a good forehand and then comes to the net to finish off the volley
7:37pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:37pm | Report comment
15-30, 3-2 first set. Great crosscourt backhand from Stebe for a winner
7:36pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:36pm | Report comment
15-15, 3-2 first set
7:35pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:35pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt, 3-2 first set.
7:33pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:33pm | Report comment
Stebe holds well courtesy of an unforced error from Hewitt. Things looking pretty even on court.
Marcel Stebe 3
Hewitt 2
7:32pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:32pm | Report comment
30-30, 2-2 first set. Hewitt wins the point with a good crosscourt backhand that Stebe can’t return
7:31pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:31pm | Report comment
30-15 Stebe, 2-2 first set. Long rally ends with a great passing Forehand shot from the German
7:29pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:29pm | Report comment
15-15, 2-2 first set
7:29pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:29pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt, 2-2 first set. Unforced error from Stebe from the backhand
7:28pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:28pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds wells and its 2-2 first set,
Marcel Stebe 2
Hewitt 2
7:28pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:28pm | Report comment
40-15 Hewitt, 2-1 first set, Good forehand return winner from Stebe
7:27pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:27pm | Report comment
40-0 Hewitt, 2-1 first set. Attempted lob from Stebe goes long.
7:26pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:26pm | Report comment
15-0 Hewitt, 2-1 first set
7:26pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:26pm | Report comment
From what I have seen so far, Stebe possesses a very good backhand
7:25pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:25pm | Report comment
Stebe holds as Hewitt misjudges the German’s second serve and misses it completely.
Marcel Stebe 2
Hewitt 1
7:24pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:24pm | Report comment
40-15 Stebe, 1-1 first set. Unforced error from Hewitt
7:23pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:23pm | Report comment
30-15 Stebe, 1-1 first set.
7:23pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:23pm | Report comment
15-15, 1-1 first set. Stebe with another backhand winner down the line.
7:22pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:22pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt, 1-1 first set.
7:21pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:21pm | Report comment
Hewitt holds courtesy of another strong serve.
Marcel Stebe 1
Hewitt 1
7:21pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:21pm | Report comment
40-15 Hewitt, 1-0 first set. Two aces in a row from Hewitt
7:20pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:20pm | Report comment
15-15, 1-0 first set. Good backhand winner from Hewitt.
7:19pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:19pm | Report comment
0-15 Stebe, 1-0 first set.
7:18pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:18pm | Report comment
Marcel Stebe holds courtesy of a wonderful crosscourt backhand winner.
Marcel Stebe 1
Hewitt 0
7:16pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:16pm | Report comment
40-15 Marcel Stebe, 0-0 first set. Lob from Hewitt goes long.
7:15pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:15pm | Report comment
15-15, 0-0 first set. Good rally from Marcel Stebe ends in a nice forehand winner.
7:14pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:14pm | Report comment
0-15 Hewitt, 0-0 first set
7:10pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:10pm | Report comment
Both players warming up now. Match to start very soon.
7:06pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:06pm | Report comment
Marcel Stebe has won the toss and has elected to serve.
7:04pm
Alan Nicolea said | 7:04pm | Report comment
Welcome to this live blog covering the Australian Open 1st round match between Hewitt and Marcel Stebe. Should be an entertaining encounter here on Rod Laver Arena. The winner will most likely secure a match-up against Andy Roddick.