Share

Hewitt records 100th grass win

London - Australian Lleyton recorded his 100th grasscourt victory on Wednesday but one of the game's most tenacious warriors landed a bloodless win after Kazakhstan's Evgeny Korolev retired with a suspected shoulder injury.

The 2002 Wimbledon champion comfortably won the first two sets 6-4 6-4 and was leading 3-0 in the third when his opponent called it a day.

The 29-year-old Hewitt is playing with all his old flair, his confidence riding high after he ended a 15-match losing streak to defeat Roger Federer in the pre-Wimbledon tournament at Halle.

Hewitt, the most successful active player on grass in terms of match wins, was fast out of the blocks.

"Yeah, it was good, I got off to a good start," he said.

After committing just seven unforced errors, he said: "I played a clean match, a smart match."

The diminutive Australian was also relieved to have plenty left in the tank after his match was cut short. "Today didn't take a whole lot out of me which is good.

"Moving forward, if you can keep doing that, putting yourself in a position where you feel good in the second week, it makes life a lot easier."

Hewitt was cheered on as usual by The Fanatics fan club - an Aussie-style "barmy army" who chanted "Here We Go Lleyton" and got the sun-baked crowd on Court One to join in.

Next in line for Hewitt is Frenchman Gael Monfils and Hewitt, the 15th seed, is bracing for a tough fight.

""He loves a target, he moves extremely well. Obviously he's got a big wingspan out there, a good first serve," he said.

First stop tonight for Hewitt will be in front of a television set - watching Australia in the World Cup.

But there will be one firm rule in place whatever the result against Serbia.

When asked, he quickly replied: "No, I won't have any beers. No, not tonight."

Second Round Results (x denotes seeding):

Men

Lu Yen-Hsun (TPE) bt Michal Przysiezny (POL) 6-4, 7-6 (9/7), 6-3
Jurgen Melzer (AUT x16) bt Viktor Troicki (SRB) 6-7 (5/7), 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3
Florian Mayer (GER) bt Mardy Fish (USA) 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4
Andy Roddick (USA x5) bt Michael Llodra (FRA) 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (7/2)
Lleyton Hewitt (AUS x15) bt Evgeny Korolev (KAZ) 6-4, 6-4, 3-0 retired
Feliciano Lopez (ESP x22) bt Ricardas Berankis (LTU) 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
Gael Monfils (FRA x21) bt Karol Beck (SVK) 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4

Women

Regina Kulikova (RUS) bt Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ x32) 6-2, 6-4
Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) bt Vera Dushevina (RUS) 6-3, 6-4
Justine Henin (BEL x17) bt Kristina Barrois (GER) 6-3, 7-5
Marion Bartoli (FRA x11) bt Petra Martic (CRO) walkover
Greta Arn (HUN) bt Alicia Molik (AUS) 7-5, 6-4
Angelique Kerber (GER) bt Shahar Peer (ISR x13) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
Kim Clijsters (BEL x8) bt Karolina Sprem (CRO) 6-3, 6-2
Maria Kirilenko (RUS x27) bt Shenay Perry (USA) 6-1, 6-4
Nadia Petrova (RUS x12) bt Chan Yung-Jan (TPE) 6-3, 6-4
Venus Williams (USA x2) bt Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) 6-0, 6-4
Yanina Wickmayer (BEL x15) bt Kirsten Flipkens (BEL) 7-6 (11/9), 6-4

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE