Former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt recently shared his experience of facing the legendary Pete Sampras. Hewitt won 30 career titles and is one of the best tennis players of all time from Australia.
The 41-year-old Lleyton Hewitt recently discussed his first Grand Slam victory at the 2001 US Open. He faced Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals of the competition. Roddick had the support of the fans in attendance as Hewitt went into the match as the underdog. Hewitt mentioned that it suited his personality well.
The match between Hewitt and Roddick was a five-set thriller as the latter won 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to earn a spot in the semi-final.
The veteran Russian Yevgeny Kafelnikov was Hewitt’s opponent in the semifinal match. Kafelnikov had already won two Grand Slams back in 1996 (French Open) and 1999 (Australian Open). The gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics was the favorite going into the match but Hewitt displayed some glorious tennis to defeat him in straight sets. Hewitt admitted that everything clicked for him in that match and went on to add that he played nearly the most perfect match of three sets in his entire career. The Australian star won comprehensively. He lost just 4 games in the three sets. The eventual score was 6-1, 6-2, 6-1.
The big final versus Pete Sampras
The 2001 US Open clash between Lleyton Hewitt and Pete Sampras was the latter’s first appearance in a Grand Slam final.
8-time Grand Slam champion Ivan Lendl was out on the court for the coin toss and Hewitt noted that he almost had to pinch himself. He was on the court with two of his childhood heroes.
Lleyton Hewitt carried on with his form from the semifinals to upset Pete Sampras in straight sets 7-6 (4), 6-1, 6-1. This was Hewitt’s first major title. Hewitt’s only other Grand Slam triumph was at the 2002 Wimbledon.
Hewitt has a win-loss record of 616-262 in singles competition with a win percentage of 70.16. He has won combined prize money of $20,889,965. In late 2021, Hewitt sold their family home in Toorak, Victoria. He bought a new house in Burleigh Heads, Queensland. His son, Cruz Hewitt is also a tennis player.
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