5 Greatest moments from Lleyton Hewitt's career
It’s over. A storied career with highs and lows. Lleyton Hewitt lead Aussie tennis fans as well as enthusiasts from around the world on a roller coaster ride throughout his career. He had his moments, two grand slam titles and he had his lows, his hip surgery being a prime example.It is fitting that Hewitt got to bid adieu to the sport he loved in front of adoring fans inside the Rod Laver Arena. This is the end of an era, the pre-Federer and post-Sampras era of tennis is officially over.Ferrer was the favourite in the match, but you couldn't help but root for Hewitt. It was a match that was fun to watch. He may have been outmatched and lost in 3 straight sets, but Hewitt had the unconditional support of the spectators at the Rod Laver Arena and he put up a real good fight in front of the crowd that loved him.Rusty' may have lost, but his effort in front of a charged-up crowd was quite memorable. Without further ado, this slideshow will attempt to celebrate Lleyton Hewitt's 5 greatest moments-
#5 2014 Brisbane International Final
Hewitt had won seven of his opening nine matches against Federer as a professional until the Swiss was victorious in their fourth-round meeting at the 2004 Australian Open en route to taking out his second major. Federer then owned Hewitt with 16 wins from their next 17 encounters and the 2014 Brisbane International final pitted the two friendly rivals against each other for the 27th time in either ATP Tour events or Davis Cup.
Australian crowds loved Federer as one of their own, but in this encounter, Pat Rafter Arena was firmly behind their national hero, Hewitt. After being dominated by Federer for years, Hewitt finally overcame his rival once again, in front of his home fans with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 victory in what was a hugely entertaining match.
After making his comeback from hip surgery and a subsequent operation on his toe, Hewitt’s effort was truly inspirational as he won his first title in nearly four years and sent the Aussies home happy with an amazing display.