Hewitt doubles up in Newport
Lleyton Hewitt has proven he can still mix it with the best players on the men’s circuit, claiming two titles in a day at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships in the US.
The Aussie veteran first defeated second seed Ivo Karlovic 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) in the men’s singles final, before teaming up with compatriot Chris Guccione to win the doubles title in straight sets during the week.
Victory over the Croatian gave Hewitt his 30th career ATP singles title and continues his fine form at the event in Newport, Rhode Island.
The 33-year-old was runner-up at last year’s event, having stumbled when having the chance to serve for the match against Frenchman Nicolas Mahut and was also the beaten finalist in 2012.
Hewitt’s latest success comes barely a fortnight after an underwhelming Wimbledon campaign in which his exit in the second round had him contemplating retirement.
The former world No.1 has now reclaimed the mantle as the highest ranked Aussie moving to 41, past Marinko Matosevic who now trails in 52nd spot.
Hewitt’s ATP singles ranking has now climbed 192 points over the past 24 months and should it improve by a further two points, he will have ascended to his highest placing since October, 2010.
The two-time grand slam winner has enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance this year, with his win over Roger Federer in the final of the Brisbane International in January reigniting his career.
His win in the US means Hewitt has won as many tournaments in the past seven months as he’d claimed in the previous six years combined.
It all paves well for a promising tilt at next month’s US Open, where Hewitt will be hoping to go deep into the second week of the New York grand slam.
Of course you’ll be able to catch all the action from Flushing Meadows at SSC, where former winner Sam Stosur and emerging talent Nick Kyrgios will also be hoping to perform well.