- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Lleyton Hewitt has waded into the debate over how to stop Australian tennis from sliding into oblivion, calling for more use to be made of past champions’ expertise.
More from Wimbledon
Hewitt to meet Federer in Wimbledon fourth round
Dellacqua bows out at Wimbledon
During his 10th Wimbledon campaign, the 2002 champion agreed with his former coach Jason Stoltenberg’s belief that past players should be welcomed into official development programs as mentors.
“Stolz is the kind of guy that wants the best for Australian tennis,” Hewitt said.
“He came up in a system where we had a lot of guys doing well.
“There’s no doubt that more guys like Stolz have to be in the system to produce better players.
“We’ve got so many great players in the past in Australian tennis. We’ve got to use them.”
Former world No.1 Hewitt, who is now ranked 27th, has been a clear beneficiary of advice from the sport’s elder statesmen.
Introduced to Davis Cup ranks under John Newcombe and Tony Roche, who is now his personal coach, Hewitt boasts former stars in his corner, watching practice, on any given day at a grand slam.
Current Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald and coach Darren Cahill are familiar faces, and Stoltenberg put in an appearance during the lead-up to Wimbledon.
Hewitt’s comments came after Stoltenberg launched a scathing attack on Tennis Australia (TA), accusing the governing body of not doing enough to foster young talent – a claim TA refutes.
“I respect Stolz a hell of a lot, I think he’s very switched on,” Hewitt said.
“You’ve got to listen to some of his comments … he doesn’t make comments that often.
“He’s a very reserved guy, so obviously there’s something there that he’s not too happy with.”
By his own admission, Hewitt’s involvement with the day-to-day running of player development is limited.
But that is understandable as the 27-year-old continues to focus on improving a ranking hit by injury and, when he gets the chance, Hewitt appears to relish helping his compatriots.
He recently teamed up with 22-year-old world No.77 Chris Guccione in doubles, met 15-year-old prodigy Bernard Tomic at Australia’s last Davis Cup tie in April and has spent time hitting with 2007 Australian Open Boys’ champion Brydan Klein.
“You try and help them out as much as possible,” Hewitt said.
“I’ve had some of the younger guys come across to my house in Sydney and hit there as well.
“When it fits in, it’s good for them, and it’s good for me, as well.”
Australia had just five entrants in the singles draws at Wimbledon this year, compared with 46 in 1971, when John Newcombe and Evonne Goolagong won.
Newcombe said recently Australian tennis would know in the next two years whether new coaching systems were working and, if not, must make yet more changes to the way that future champions are nurtured.
Whether it’s aces or races, try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp for great odds and a great punting experience. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.