Hewitt stuns Federer

Source:Agencies-Global Times Published: 2014-1-5 23:03:01

Lleyton Hewitt of Australia hits a forehand return on the way to defeating Roger Federer of Switzerland in the men's final at the Brisbane International on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua



Roger Federer's hopes of starting the year with a long-overdue ­title ended in ­failure on Sunday when the Swiss was beaten by ­local hero Lleyton Hewitt in the Brisbane ­International final.

The 17-times Grand Slam champion, who won the last of his 77 titles in June, was beaten 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 by a typi­cally gutsy Hewitt who ended a more than three-year title drought.

World No.6 Federer, who had led their rivalry 18-8 before the final, looked to have turned the match his way after recovering from a slow start but Hewitt showed ­responded to claim the title in a little over two hours.

"To beat possibly the greatest player in the final means a lot," Hewitt said. "It's not an easy tournament to win."

Hewitt has been plagued by ­injury in recent years and underwent surgery in 2010, 2011 and 2012 to fix various hip and foot problems.

"I think the most pleasing thing is what I've had to come through and the tough times in terms of surgery," the former Wimbledon and US Open champion said.

Federer had seven break points in the third set but failed to convert any of them as Hewitt ended a 15-match losing run against his fellow 32-year-old.

Despite the disappointment Federer remained hopeful for this month's Australian Open.

"I was able to sort of serve better overall, more consistent this week than I have in a long time - so that's very good," said Federer, who had not dropped serve before the final.

"I definitely ended a little bit more confident to play well and hopefully win the tournament and so forth.

"I have a clear idea what I need to work on and I have a clear idea where my mind and body is at."

Federer can scarcely have opened a match in worse touch. He hit 22 unforced errors in the first set, lost three service games and performed a complete airshot off one attempted backhand service return.

Hewitt did not lose a point on his first serve in the opening set, ­making just three unforced errors as he took command with his trademark precision.

Federer improved markedly in the second set, coming back from 0-40 down to capture the Australian's serve in the ninth game and then served out to love to take the set.

Despite Hewitt's serve being far more consistently under threat in the third set, he secured the only break in the fourth game when ­Federer hit a forehand wide.

Then, showing the resolve that made him a two-time major winner, the Australian held firm to secure his first ATP title in Australia since winning in Sydney in 2005.

Hewitt, the world No.60, is projected to rise to 43 in the rankings as a result of the win, and will be one of the most dangerous floaters when the Australian Open draw is made Friday.

Agencies - Global Times



Posted in: Tennis

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