Hewitt Grabs His First Win in 2 Years

In the US Men’s Clay Court Championships, Lleyton Hewitt of Australia won his first tournament against Wayne Odesnik of the United States with a victorious 6-2, 7-5 score.

Hewitt also had his victory on his first clay court tournament from the time he got hold of his 1999 Delray Beach tournament. He also ranks as the 35th player on the career victories list. However, while recovering from his hip surgery, he failed to win a match last year for the first time in his sports career.

He rode to a 3-0 lead in the second set, thus, earning his first ATP final. For Hewitt, the clay court is a difficult venue to close players out. Yet, he showed greatness while overtaking Odesnik. The latter crushed Hewitt twice for a 5-3 lead in the second set. After such feat, his serving problems restored and he was broken after three break points in the 9th game and it the 11th game. Thus, Hewitt gained his win on the first match point due to Odesnik’s forehand slip.

Odesnik accounted that he was able to play better during the second set but agreed that victory is not in his hands. At the beginning of their match, the rain was not cooperating and caused a 1 hour, 25 minutes delay. Hewitt had flight to catch to Monte Carlo for a scheduled match on Tuesday, but the delay bounded to be worth it because Hewitt believed that he was out there to play and win.

Hewitt ranked No. 67 in 2008 and is currently on No. 88, still looking forward on his match on the French Open.