Lleyton Hewitt vs David Ferrer: Australian Open live scores, blog

By Alan / Roar Guru

2nd February, 2016

Match Result

Ferrer too good tonight against Hewitt. The Australian toiled hard and had his chances in the second set to get back in the game but Ferrer played some clutch tennis to keep himself on top in another memorable contest.

Hewitt’s career is now officially over and what a career it has been. Two grand slam titles at the US Open and Wimbledon to go along with some memorable Davis Cup victories. Add further grand slam final appearances at the US Open and Australian Open and he retires a legend. Well done Hewitt.

Ferrer meanwhile continues on his journey and he will be very difficult to beat as always.

Hewitt 2 4 4
Ferrer 6 6 6

Match Preview

A blockbuster Australian Open second round sees retiring Australian legend Lleyton Hewitt face the tenacious eighth seed David Ferrer. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7pm (AEDT).

Rod Laver Arena has seen its fair share of epic contests throughout its history and fans could be set for another memorable encounter between two of the most competitive players in the game.

Hewitt and Ferrer are practically identical when it comes to playing style – both renowned for making their opposition dig deep by keeping points alive, courtesy of their great court coverage.

Indeed, only the legendary trio of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal possess superior movement around the court.

While neither player possesses shot-making weapons to win points quickly, they more than make up for it with a high tennis IQ, allowing them to construct points with proper shot selection.

Neither Hewitt nor Ferrer are known for committing a high amount of unforced errors, and with both players to fight tooth and nail, another lengthy affair could eventuate.

Ferrer leads the pair’s head-to-head 2-1, with the Spaniard winning their only hard-court meeting, at the 2012 US Open. Hewitt toiled hard in that contest, but eventually succumbed in four sets, losing the final 6-0.

On big points, Hewitt will look to use his reliable forehand lob to cause Ferrer trouble. The two-time grand slam champion can also rely on his terrific net play to finish points quickly.

Ferrer meanwhile is a master of maintaining his intense play for sustained periods, and is more aggressive with his stroke play than Hewitt.

Judging from his clinical first-round performance, Hewitt can knock over Ferrer, but he will have to be more aggressive with his shot making. If he can do that, a third round berth is a real possibility.

Hewitt in five sets.

The Crowd Says:

2016-01-21T12:28:52+00:00

Scuba

Guest

He was a tool when he was their age too. Up to them whether they mature or not but we should at least give them a chance.

2016-01-21T11:23:37+00:00

Avatar

Roar Guru

Thanks for the memories, Lleyton. You and your tenacity and willingness never to give up will be sorely missed around the tennis world.

2016-01-21T11:19:48+00:00

JGK

Roar Guru

Well done Lleyton - it's been a pleasure. The most important thing he said tonight was "I gave it 100% on court, like I always do". Hopefully Tomic and Kyrgios heard the roar of approval that followed.

2016-01-21T10:59:02+00:00

jamesb

Guest

Well done Lleyton. He never gave up. Now it's on to the next gen.

2016-01-21T10:56:53+00:00

Nate

Guest

Sad to see him go. He's done more with limited talent than many with more talent have achieved. Gave 100% right to the end.

2016-01-21T10:50:01+00:00

Johnno

Guest

Well Hewitt, is still Doubles with Grothy, so good luck there.