Lleyton Hewitt hits back at Ivan Dodig to reach semis – BB&T Atlanta Open 2013
Former world number one, Lleyton Hewitt, made an epic comeback form a set down to outclass the Croatian contender, Ivan Dodig, in a three-set thriller at the BB&T Atlanta Open 2013 on Friday. He summed up a 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory against the Croat to power
into the final four at this ATP World Tour 250 series event being held in Atlanta, United States of America.
The Australian icon, Hewitt, made a drastic entry at this first event of Emirates Airways US Open Series. However, he quickly sought his rhythm and sealed the deal with a strong finish.
“At the start of the match I couldn’t get into it much,” the Australian veteran reflected in an on-court interview after recording the victory. “He served fantastic, hit his spots every time. I didn’t think he could play any better for a set and a half.
I was just trying to hold serve and stay ahead in the second set. I played a good game at 4-3 to break. I was able to get up an early break in the third set and got a few more cheap points.”
The Croatian star thundered into this battle. He reeled off the opening five games before Hewitt could come on the score sheet. Dodig held his serve once again and pulled out the opener with a breadstick.
Hewitt sought his momentum in the following set. He swiftly bagged his entire serves with conviction and got the breakthrough in the eighth game, consequently sealing the equaliser by winning six games to three.
Currently ranked 64th in the Emirates Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Hewitt recreated his old magic in the deciding set. He went on a six-game killing spree and eventually clicked the decider with a bagel.
The Aussie is in great run of form this season as he reaches semis at the Queen’s Club (was edged out by Marin Cilic) and secured final berth in Newport (lost to France’s Nicolas Mahut).
Up next for Hewitt is the conqueror of the match between top seeded John Isner and the former world number four, James Blake. In case he carry his momentum and secure a spot in the final showdown, it will be the first time since 2010 that the Aussie won
20 matches in a season.
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