Lleyton Hewitt has been on the tour now for twelve years but the Aussie’s competitive fires still burn strongly.
Just what continues to drive Hewitt ? Any coach would love to be able to tap into that spirit and determination. He’s now longer a major title contender but having won most of the honours the game has to offer, Hewitt continues to strive to test himself against the best players.
He dropped outside the top 100 in February after yet another injury battle and hip surgery but came back strong at Wimbledon, making the quarters and losing a desperately close five setter with Andy Roddick.
Even a groin strain couldn’t keep Hewitt from competing on the US hard-court circuit over the summer and getting another shot at his nemisis Roger Federer at Flushing Meadows. As Hewitt said afterwards "This is what motivates me, playing in these big matches against Roger and having a crack at him. That's where the motivation is."
Hewitt is now ranked twenty six and looks set to rise further this autumn with no points to defend. Davis Cup captain Todd Woodbridge believes Hewitt can make it back into the top ten, something which looks achievable with the likes of Davydenko and Simon suffering lapses in form.
Hewitt begins the indoor season next week at the inaugural ATP tournament in Kuala Lumpur. It’s attracted a strong field with any one of ten players capable of winning it. Davydenko, Verdasco, Soderling, Monfils, Berdych and Ferrer are all there as well.
