Citi Open fan favorite and 2004 champion Lleyton Hewitt excited the stadium crowd as he walked on to the court for his final appearance in Washington D.C. The Australian veteran announced his plans to retire after the Australian Open next year. Hewitt faced John-Patrick Smith, a fellow Australian, who recently reached his career high position of 134 in the ATP rankings.
Hewitt received a wildcard into the tournament, his ranking dropping to 163 after a dismal first half of the year. The 34-year-old has just won twice this year, with no wins over players ranked within the top 100.
26-year-old John-Patrick Smith recorded his first ever ATP main draw win earlier this year over compatriot Bernard Tomic at the Newport Championships this year. Otherwise, the journeyman competes mostly on the Challenger level.
Hewitt started the match off strong, trading blows from the baseline with the younger Aussie. Although lacking in stature and strength, the Australian veteran has always compensated with his indomitable spirit and ability to grind. Known as one of the best competitors on tour, he fought off Smith in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4.
Hewitt later admitted in his press conference that it was slightly uncomfortable playing a fellow Aussie, “I had to play tough because it was awkward playing someone young. I would’ve preferred he drew someone else.”
The two-time Grand Slam champion has always been extremely patriotic when it comes to tennis. He has been a key factor in Australia’s Davis Cup success, and plans on continuing to work with the team post-retirement. He always puts an effort into helping guide younger Aussie players’ careers.
“It is different and I am always watching other Aussie boys. I take more of an interest in them because everyone I hit with leading up to the tournament is an Aussie boy. I’m trying to help them out as much possible and not focus all on myself- tennis is a individual sport 10-11 months out of the year- but these boys look up to me… so I feel like it’s a good job to help them.”
Hewitt expressed his confidence in the future of Australian tennis, “We are in a lot better place than we were in the last 5-8 years… We have a real core group... obviously three exceptional, young, talented players capable of playing with the big names on the big stage. Then, we have a good group after those guys… so we have a good crop of players coming up… but we still have work to do.”
It is clear that the three young players that Hewitt inferred are Nick Kyrgios, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Bernard Tomic. They have proven that they are capable of competing on the big stages against the top players.
After the conclusion of the match, the Citi Open honored Hewitt with a special tribute video. Players and former players alike including Rod Laver, Bernard Tomic and Sam Querrey spoke admirably about the Aussie veteran’s competitive spirit and love for the sport. A perennial fan favorite, Hewitt received a standing ovation after the tribute. The beloved Aussie will most likely receive many of them in his final year on tour.