Hewitt: I still enjoy the big tournaments

 

Originally published on: 10/06/13 00:00

The former world No.1, who is bidding to become the first player to win five singles titles at The Queen’s Club, recovered from a set down to beat Michael Russell of the USA 4-6 6-1 6-3 in the first round.

“It’s always tough the first one on grass,” said the Australian, who now sits at No.82 in the world rankings. “I felt I could see the ball really well in practice going into it, but the courts are a little bit different as well out there at the moment. It’s a bit slippery underfoot.”

The 2002 Wimbledon champion, who fell in the first round at all three of the clay-court events he played, refused to entertain any talk of retirement in his post-match press conference.

“I don’t know,” said Hewitt when asked how much longer he can keep going. “I’m not going to keep answering that every day.

“I still enjoy the big tournaments, obviously Wimbledon, Australian Open, two of my favourite tournaments. The Grand Slams and Davis Cup are still what I play for.”

Hewitt has reached one semi-final and three quarter-finals at the All England Club since his victory there over a decade ago but after a first round loss in 2012 the two-time Grand Slam champion says he will be taking each match as it comes.

“[I will] see what happens with the draw and just take it one match at a time,” the 32-year-old said of his Wimbledon aspirations. “I still believe in my ball striking and obviously my movement out there, and, yeah, wait and see what happens.”

Next up for Hewitt in West London will be Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who recovered from a set down to beat Israel’s Dudi Sela in his opening round. 

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here