- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt has been knocked out of the French Open by irrepressible world No.1 Rafael Nadal in their marquee third-round encounter.
The claycourt colossus was just too good for the South Australian, claiming victory 6-1 6-3 6-1 in 111 minutes at Roland Garros on Friday.
Sporting a bright pink shirt and yellow headband, the Spaniard was just too good for Australia’s former world No.1 who gave up some valuable break points.
Long rallies dominated the match, with the four-time defending champion giving Hewitt a tough workout under the hot sun.
Nadal extended his record run at Roland Garros to 30 wins and zero defeats in the process, having made quick work of the first set by wrapping it up in just half an hour.
Hewitt, watched by former soap star wife Bec Hewitt and coach Tony Roche, tried to mount a fightback in the second set by breaking Nadal early on but was unable to hold on to his lead.
He bounced his racquet on the ground and swore in frustration a handful of times after losing some crucial points.
Nadal broke Hewitt early in the third set and wrapped up the match with an ace that was initially called out but which the Spaniard successfully challenged.
It was all over for Hewitt, who stood surprised at the challenge and walked off the court with his head bowed.
The Spaniard will next face either the No.23 seed Robin Soderling of Sweden or compatriot and 14th seed David Ferrer in the fourth round as he attempts to secure his fifth straight Open crown at Roland Garros.
Nadal’s victory gave him his fifth win against Hewitt out of their nine encounters.
The 22-year-old now has a 4-0 record against Hewitt on clay, including back-to-back fourth-round wins over the Australian at the 2006 and 2007 French Opens.
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.