- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
scoreline: Hewitt 6-3, 1-6, 6-0, 6-4
The backhand was wide from Zhang and its fitting that an unforced error gives Hewitt his ticket to the second round. Zhang when on form caused Hewitt enormous trouble, particularly in the second set. Far too many unforced errors from the Chinese player though to really trouble Hewitt. His game was full of ups and downs and Hewitt was too solid in the end. Hewitt now faces Becker. Third round a real possibility.
Lleyton Hewitt begins his record 19th Australian Open campaign against Chinese qualifier Ze Zhang. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from around 7:00pm AEDT.
Thoughts of retirement are far from Hewitt’s mind. He still believes he can compete against the very best on the ATP tour despite a heavy defeat at the Brisbane International.
In Hewitt’s only competitive match of the year, he was well beaten by fellow Australian Sam Groth in straight sets in under an hour. Groth’s power was simply too much for Hewitt to handle and thus was unable to defend his Brisbane International title.
Regardless of that result, Hewitt is still a dangerous floater in the men’s draw. He always gives 100 per cent and his mentality on tour remains something to be respected and admired.
In short, if opponents fail to turn up to play, Hewitt will cause any player huge problems, particularly if the two-time Grand Slam champion returns well.
Hewitt however starts a heavy favourite against Zhang and the Chinese qualifier has nothing to lose. Given that he is on Rod Laver Arena, it presents a wonderful opportunity for Zhang to claim a big scalp in front of a large audience.
In Zhang’s favour is the fact that Hewitt is not a player that blows his opposition off court with his groundstrokes. The Chinese player will get plenty of opportunities to find his range given that Hewitt is a fan of playing long rallies.
Zhang overall could be seen as a potential banana skin for Hewitt. The Australian knows better than to expect a win and will dig deep like he usually does to secure a solid victory.
With two victories already over Zhang, Hewitt at his best should be too good.
Hewitt in four sets.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage as we follow Lleyton Hewitt’s opening round clash. If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.