Youngster Hewitt remains world's top-ranked player

看板Hewitt作者noanoa (大'吸'地 :D)時間22年前 (2003/03/04 19:21)推噓1(1推 0噓 0→)

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Youngster Hewitt remains world's top-ranked player By Paul Coro The Arizona Republic Mar. 4, 2003 A bigger, stronger player was supposed to knock Lleyton Hewitt down. If not,then it figured that a more seasoned player would topple him. Sixty-eight weeks of conjecture later, Hewitt still stands atop the men's tennis world. That incredible hold on the No. 1 ranking, exceeded in duration only by Pete Sampras in the past 12 years, is as sure as Hewitt's forehand grip, nowthat second-ranked Andre Agassi was bounced in Monday's first round of the Franklin Templeton Tennis Classic by Thomas Enqvist. Hewitt's Association of Tennis Professionals Entry Ranking lead over Agassi had dwindled to 30 points, but it's safe for another week as Hewitt goes from watching his girlfriend, Kim Clijsters, play in last week's State Farm Classic to making his singles debut tonight against Fernando Vicente. "It's fantastic being No. 1, but having a healthy and successful, long career wo uld be a priority," Hewitt said. "I want to win the Davis Cup pretty badly this year. That's as big of a goal as any other. Of course, I want to win Grand Slams , too." Hewitt's hold on No. 1 has been weakened by his inactivity since a fourth-round exit to Moroccan Younes El Aynaoui at the Australian Open, which Agassi won. Hewitt, who turned 22 last week, is the youngest player to finish back-to-back seasons at No. 1. He stays there because of his passion for the game, which translates into a famously tough work ethic. He has a well-rounded game, including what some consider the best foot speed in tennis. His emotions can be combative or infectious - showing a competitive fire that has been likened to Jimmy Connors. "I think crowds enjoy watching me play," Hewitt said. "I've done so well in America. I really enjoy this stretch. It's very relaxed without the pressure of the Grand Slams." If Hewitt can finish No. 1 for a third consecutive season, he would join elite company. Only Connors, Sampras, John McEnroe and Ivan Lendl have done so in the ATP's 30 years. In Scottsdale, Hewitt is eager to work out the kinks brought on by his time off, a hiatus that was compounded by illness. "I take things more week by week now," he said. "When you grow up, winning a Grand Slam, a Davis Cup and being No. 1 are your dreams. I was fortunate to do it all by the age of 20, 21. I take it all in stride now. I've got to get that match toughness and winning feeling again. That's what this week is all about." -- 我因為你而變得更好... 因為我已全然了解你並愛著你的靈魂 ~高更 -- ※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.csie.ntu.edu.tw) ◆ From: 61.217.134.6