Hewitt receives praise form rivals after stunning Del Potro

Lleyton Hewitt

Lleyton Hewitt has earned the admiration of his fellow rivals after the Australian stunned Juan Martin Del Potro at the US open with a vintage performance.

World Number 2 Rafael Nadal said that he admires the Aussie for his sheer determination to fight even after so many surgeries and setbacks.

”I was happy for Lleyton. He’s a great fighter, after long time with a lot of injuries, [to] have the chance to be back. Still on the tour with motivation to keep playing, keep fighting, is something that I admire a lot [about] him,” said Nadal.

Meanwhile Roger Federer also found time to share his admiration of Hewitt and also gave him a chance of causing more upsets at the tournament.

”He was looking great. I’m very happy for him. I like Juan Martin as well, a lot. I’ve known Lleyton much longer. He’s been one of my biggest rivals on tour, so I always like to see him do well, particularly here under the lights in New York. He deserves it. He’s gone through a lot, and I was very happy for him last night,” he said.

Hewitt is a former champion at the Flushing Meadows and is now competing in his 13th US Open and he will next play Russian Evgeny Donsky on Sunday for a place in the last 16.