Lleyton Hewitt: It's Not Over Till It's Over

As Lleyton Hewitt spends the evening in the quaint seaside town of Newport, south of Boston, he has every reason to smile.

In a feat rarely seen on the professional circuit, the Australian’s triumph in both the singles and doubles with fellow Aussie Chris Guccione took his career tally to an incredible 30 singles and 3 doubles titles. The feat places him alongside elite company, joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as the only active players to have amassed over 30 singles titles. 

The South Australian’s 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3) win over second seed Ivo Karlovic in the Newport final will also send the top ranked Aussie to no. 41 in the world.  This feat holds even more significance when it is considered that Hewitt has long since considered his ranking irrelevant, expressing his desire to play primarily for the Majors and the Davis Cup.

Just weeks ago, after a second round exit at Wimbledon, Hewitt was once again subject to illogical calls for retirement.  “I’ve been asked that question for 5 or 6 years now”  stated Hewitt post Wimbledon.  In 2001, the gutsy Australian led the charge and the fact that he remains the No. 1 Aussie today is a testament to Hewitt’s incredible vitality and determination.

While there are extremely encouraging signs from the emerging wave of juniors, led by 19 year old Nick Kyrgios, there are no signs that Lleyton Hewitt will hang up the racquets any time soon.  

Yet when he finally does, he has rightfully earnt his place amongst the immortals of the game.