Spaniard David Ferrer’s 6-2 6-4 6-4 victory over Lleyton Hewitt last night in their Australian Open second round clash at the Rod Laver Arena, ended the Australian’s stellar career.
The 34-year-old hasn’t been everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s sure been mine.
Throughout his 898 match ATP career, there was never a moment when Hewitt hasn’t giving his all with a passion reserved for the very few.
More:
» Bye, Lleyton. Thanks for the validation
» Hewitt bows out as one of Australia’s best ever
» Thanks for the memories, Lleyton
» Every heart-breaking thought I had during Hewitt’s farewell
At 15 years and 11 months he became the youngest qualifier in Australian Open history, at 16 he won his first ATP tournament beating Andre Agassi in the semi, and Jason Stoltenberg in the Adelaide final.
He was ranked 550 in the world and is still the lowest ranked ATP champion of all-time.
Hewitt won the 2001 US Open beating Pete Sampras in straight sets and the 2002 Wimbledon downing David Nalbandian to become the youngest world number one for 80 weeks.
Throw in two Davis Cup victories in 1999 and 2003, where Hewitt has shone as Australia’s most successful Cup rep. For the tough little terrier who has never had a serve to compete on a level playing field, he’s had one helluva career.
It was obvious last night from early on that Hewitt was going to push it uphill to survive another round in his record 20th successive Australian Open appearance.
But he stuck in there at his feisty best, and when he produced something of the old magic, the faithful went through the roof. You would swear there were 500,000 jammed into Rod Laver Arena the applause was so loud.
Hewitt’s standing among his peers was never more evident than last night.
Ferrer told Jim Courier in his halting English during the post-match interview – “He’s one of the best players in history and I have to tell you, I don’t have idols, but Lleyton is my idol.”
“Tonight is not my day, it’s Lleyton’s”.
Thunderous applause.
And more of the same from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Nick Kyrios when they saluted Lleyton in their pre-taped interviews on the big screen.
And when Lleyton’s three kids – Mia, Cruz, and Ava – came onto the court last night while Bruce McAvaney was interviewing their Dad, how Lleyton didn’t crack proved his emotional toughness, especially when his tearful wife Bec came up on the big screen.
“You are my rock, I love you so much,” was Lleyton’s ultimate salute to his better half.
Full marks to Channel Seven for the way they handled Lleyton Hewitt’s final appearance. It was tasteful, meaningful and emotional.
So Lleyton moves on to become Davis Cup captain, and the saving grace to save Nick Kyrious and Bernard Tomic from themselves.
That, in the end, may well be Lleyton Hewitt’s greatest triumph.
In the meantime Lleyton, thanks for the many memories.
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