No Second Thoughts: Hewitt Takes Stock

As Lleyton Hewitt stood on Rod Laver Arena after playing his final singles match, a video was played on the big screen with messages from Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. The video ended with Nick Kyrgios, whom Hewitt has mentored in the past six months, declaring the two-time Grand Slam champion to still be the best player in Australia and suggesting he reconsider his retirement.

Naturally, it had to be asked in the press conference if the 34-year-old Hewitt was having any second thoughts about hanging up his racquets.

With his three children, Ava, Mia and Cruz seated beside him, Hewitt responded, “No, I’ve been set on it. I got the most out of my body. I’ve pushed myself to the limit. I look forward to the next phase in terms of work, helping these next guys coming through, including the likes of Nick.”

Indeed, it was very much a family affair as Hewitt bid a fond farewell to professional tennis on Thursday evening, bowing out in the Australian Open second round against David Ferrer. The Adelaide native was joined on court afterwards by his children, who had been watching with their mother, Bec, in the stands, and explained they had been a large part of why he had continued to play for as long as he did.

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“Especially the past few years, they’ve actually been able to come to tournaments and remember it,” said Hewitt. “They’re going to have lifelong memories of being out there with me and Cruz hitting with the likes of Federer, Nadal, Murray, these guys. It’s pretty cool.

“It’s probably pushed me to play that little bit longer to enjoy it so they could get something out of it, as well. Cruz, the past couple years, he came on a little boys trip to a couple of different tournaments. It’s been nice.”

Hewitt has spent the past 12 months building up to this moment, since announcing last year that his 20^th successive Australian Open would be his last tournament.

The right-hander may have only won four matches last year, but he has enjoyed a special farewell tour, which saw him lead Australia to the Davis Cup semi-finals – where he played a memorable doubles rubber alongside Sam Groth against the Murray brothers – and go out to great ovation at Wimbledon, the US Open and a special on-court ceremony at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

His final bow fittingly came on Rod Laver Arena, where he has enjoyed some of the most momentous wins and biggest battles of his career – not least a semi-final victory over Andy Roddick in 2005.

“I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve had such a great career that I had the opportunity to go out on my terms,” said Hewitt. “A lot of great sporting athletes don’t have that opportunity. Especially if you play in a team environment where a coach makes a decision whether you’re going to play or not and sometimes where you finish your career.

“I actually had the ball in my court in a lot of ways to do that here at the Australian Open. I feel really pleased about that.

“It was an unbelievable atmosphere out there,” continued Hewitt, who brought the crowd to its feet on more than one occasion with a final flourish. “A couple of the roars during the match tonight were as loud as I’ve ever played in front of. I was getting goosebumps at times. Obviously just watching the video and hearing those great players talk about you in that light was pretty emotional.

“Especially when I got back in the locker room, I guess that hits you a little bit more then. When I’m with my close friends and coaching staff that have helped me so much out. It’s sort of a strange feeling because you’re obviously disappointed not to keep going, but obviously proud of everything we’ve done as well.”

The journey is not quite over for Hewitt. Before he fully assumes his role as Australia’s Davis Cup captain, there is at least one more match left to play: the men’s doubles second round with Sam Groth. The Australians play another homegrown player, John Peers, and his Finnish partner, Henri Kontinen, on Friday.

“I saw Grothy in the locker room and he was already asking about practice tomorrow and warming up tomorrow!” said Hewitt. So the retirement celebrations tonight won’t be too exuberant then? “No, I might have a quiet beer. That’s it.”