Australian Open: Lleyton Hewitt to get fitting farewell

Omnisports

January 13, 2016 4:52 AM

When Lleyton Hewitt bows out of the Australian Open for a final time, he will be greeted by a positive ovation that once seemed so unlikely.

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The veteran Australian will retire after the year's first grand slam, one that will mark his 20th consecutive appearance at Melbourne Park.

Hewitt, a two-time grand slam champion, is sure to remain in the sport, having been appointed as Australia's Davis Cup captain.

Such is the way he has endeared himself to the public in the past decade, that decision last year was welcomed.

But things were once far different for Hewitt.

For years, the former world number one was disliked despite his talent.

Controversies, particularly one involving James Blake at the 2001 US Open, did him no favours, but his tenacious and fighting style only gained the appreciation of some.

That same tournament brought a maiden grand slam title for a player who also reached the summit of the world rankings.

Hewitt went on to win Wimbledon in 2002 and it would prove to be his last major, despite reaching two more finals.

His run to the Australian Open decider three years was memorable as he dispatched of a young Rafael Nadal, David Nalbandian and Andy Roddick on his way to the final.

But he would be undone by Russian Marat Safin in four sets on Rod Laver Arena, the closest he came to winning his home slam.

Following in the footsteps of the well-liked Pat Rafter made life difficult for Hewitt, whose brattishness and confidence - his 'c'mon' shouts not forgotten - were never warmed to.

That changed, slowly.

Eventually, the tenacity, desire to return every ball and battling against those seemingly with more natural talent led to some love for Hewitt.

His desperation, particularly when in green and gold for Australia, was recognised and appreciated.

Hewitt, part of two Davis Cup-winning teams, finishes his career with a 42-14 win-loss record in singles in the event. He is 16-1 on hard-courts.

The 34-year-old has struggled to genuinely challenge in the final days of his career, yet that was to be expected.

But, slowly, what Hewitt achieved has become acknowledged in greater numbers and, with Australia's talented yet erratic youth coming through, he will certainly be missed.

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