Tennis Prose




Jan/12

17

Fiery Hewitt Escapes Stebe, But Old Rival Roddick Awaits

By Jayita Belcourt

Leading up to the Australian Open, the Australian media had been portraying ATP vet Lleyton Hewitt as old news. Recently described as a “low ranked” .. “injured-ravaged” … “invisible man”, the 30-year-old Hewitt was anything but that tonight. With a showdown on the Rod Laver Arena against German youngster Cedrik-Marcel Stebe, Hewitt, currently ranked at #181, proved too strong and too good. Hewitt utilizing the skill and experience which has garnered 29 career ATP singles titles, powered through the match to secure a four set victory 7-5, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in just over 4 hours.

It started off smooth sailing for the Australian veteran, with a comfortable two set lead. But the match turned around in the third set with Stebe dominating play. Too many unforced errors from Hewitt and aggressive play from the German saw Stebe take a commanding 5-1 lead in the fourth set.

It looked like a fifth set decider was imminent. Yet somehow the tide began to change. With the German’s sweet hitting forehand shots letting him down, conservative play and the onset of fatigue, Lleyton was able to claw his way back up to a decisive 5-5 equaliser. The former ATP #1’s feisty “never say die” gutsy presence was clearly felt.

Lleyton’s new found momentum took him to a decisive 6-5 lead in the fourth set. Serving to stay in the match, the German youngster was unable to hold serve. Overpowered by Lleyton’s relentless returns the match ended with an unforced error.

Lleyton, who was the ATP #1 ranked player ten years ago and turned pro in 1998, entered the 2012 Open as a wildcard entrant and now faces American opponent, Andy Roddick in his second round match. Even though Roddick has claimed the past six outings against Hewitt, Roddick was quick to acknowledge that Hewitt is “a fighter” and one not to dismiss. Roddick predicts the likelihood of another marathon encounter, stating that, “I’ve won the most recent meetings, but I think out of the six that I’ve won, four or five have gone the distance to the last set. We always have a bit of a war. I probably don’t see it being any different.”

Australian correspondent and North Carolina University alum Jayita Belcourt will be in Melbourne later this week. This is her first report from Down Under.

6 comments

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 17, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    Nice read Jayita, I didn’t see any of this match but will surely tune in for the Roddick clash, they have a rivarly and have had many memorable battles, the most recent being the Wimbledon five setter a couple of years ago. So close. I remember Roddick saved a fifth set BP with one of the best volleys he’s ever made and from there he went on to narrowly beat Hewitt but it was an epic encounter. That was Hewitt’s last run in a slam. Always been a fan of his, hope he can get to the second week. This really might be his last appearance in the Australian Open. Jayita do you think his form and fitness are enough right now so that he can upset Roddick? Hewitt will surely be a huge underdog.

  • Jayita A Belcourt · January 18, 2012 at 3:08 am

    Thanks for your comments Scoop. Yeah I think it’s going to be an interesting match. Hewitt has certainly struggled leading up to the Australian open with injury and form. But last night, Hewitt put on a good performance and I still think he’s one of the most gutsy players around who wins through relentless determination and sheer will.

    Even though I think Hewitt is going to be a tough opponent, sadly I’m not sure if he has the form to outclass Roddick. Their last 6 matches have all gone Roddick’s way. I think it will be a tight one. I know all of Australia has their fingers crossed for Lleyton. C’mon!!

  • Andrew Miller · January 18, 2012 at 6:18 am

    Speakie of Aussie influence – let’s hear it for Taylor Dent! He is an excellent announcer. Really knows what he’s talking about. That is the half Aussie half U.S. talking and it is smart!

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 18, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    It’s hard to see Hewitt winning this, Roddick has his number. This could be Hewitt’s final Australian Open match, it’s going to be a dramatic showdown, tears may be shed, will be an amazing atmosphere.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 18, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Absolutely agree Andrew, Taylor Dent is a fantastic commentator and was always a terrific interview for me and many other journalists, Richard P will concur on this.

  • Gans · January 18, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    Nice post, Jayita. Thank you.

    I think Hewitt has a fair chance because Roddick isn’t the same player as he once was. Of course, neither is Hewitt! That’s what makes this match quite intriguing. Also, the serve, which is Roddick’s biggest weapon, is not as reliable as say Federer’s for example.

    Fed out-aces Roddick even though his is 15-20 miles slower. Roddick puts in heat, but when he misses his first, he becomes quite vulnerable actually. And Hewitt being one of the best returners who is playing on his home turf can trouble Andy.

    I am yet to sink my teeth into this year’s Open. I caught a glimpse of Fish-Falla match yesterday. Fish’s attitude was pathetic. After he fell down Falla asked him if he was OK and Mardy just ignored him. Poor sportsmanship! Towards the end he was cussing so much that I had to turn the volume down so my son won’t pick up those words! He has transformed into Roddick!

    If Ryan Harrison is looking up to these folks, then he is headed the wrong direction. I miss Sampras in every way!

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