The Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt retires from international tennis after suffering a loss at home to David Ferrer. This was Hewitt’s 20th attempt to win the Australian Open which ended in a second round exit, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. At the end of the match, Hewitt after the match was left in tears and took his time to exit the court, for the last time.
Lleyton Hewitt retires after being knocked out of Australian Open
The intensity during the match was really high as Hewitt got involved in a verbal spat with the linesman regarding a foot-fault call. When the umpire intervened and warned Hewitt, he called the umpire ‘a freaking idiot’. Hewitt’s last match was another typical example that saw the Aussie violate the code for an audible obscenity. Ferrer on the other hand made a quick exit after the win, as emotions ran high on court.
Former world number one brought the curtains on his 18-year singles career after his loss. He turned professional in 1998 and 2001 US Open was his first Grand Slam victory beating Pete Sampras at the age of 20. The Aussie tennis player is a two-time Grand Slam champion and a 2005 finalist in Australia. He thanked the crowd for their enthusiasm and support as he fought to hold his tears back.
After the match Hewitt said, “I left nothing in the locker room. My whole career I’ve given 100%. I love coming out here and competing. I have been so fortunate to have opportunity 20 years in a row. I feel honoured to have had this support and love from this crowd, it means so much for me. ”
Lletyon Hewitt would be playing doubles along with Sam Groth, a fellow countryman. Following 2015 Australian Open, Hewitt would retire from all forms of the sport.
Tags: Australian Open, Grand Slam, Lleyton Hewitt, Tennis
