2011 Kooyong Classic: Lleyton Hewitt sails into the title battle
Australian Lleyton Hewitt has made his way into the final of the 2011 Kooyong Classic on Friday. Former World number 1 brushed aside his Russian foe Nikolay Davydenko in two sets to confirm his berth in the title battle. He won
6-3, 7-6 (7-3) in a rain delayed semi-final match. The battle concluded in a time period of ninety eight minutes.
Hewitt, as a result of this victory, will next take on the winner of the match between Jurgen Melzer and Gael Monfils of France.
The Australian, who made his debut on the ATP tour back in 1998, won the opening set versus Nikolay with the help of a service break during the seventh game.
The decisive set was tighter and Nikolay also improved his game to put up a good fight until the Australian forced the match to tie a breaker where he emerged victorious in the end.
"It is always nice to beat quality players. Nikolay was hitting the ball well (in the Doha final last weekend). I think we match up well. My ball-striking was much better today than against Youzhny. Conditions were more swirly
then and today it was calmer. It is always nice to win matches," reflected Hewitt who achieved his career high ranking of world number one back in 2001.
This victory not only suggests his top form at the moment but will also serve as a confidence booster ahead of the year’s opening Grand Slam; the Australian Open, starting this Monday in Melbourne.
Hewitt will open his tournament’s campaign against former world number three David Nalbandian of Argentine. Hewitt, who posted his career best result at Aussie by reaching the finals back in 2005, while commenting on the upcoming
major event said, "There are no easy draws out there. I will be ready for the first round, Nalbandian or not. We have played each other in some big matches. I was near flawless in that Wimbledon final in 2002. But we have both moved on a lot since then. I
am hitting the ball well and l will be ready."
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