Hewitt back on the singles scene
Hewitt back on the singles scene Leo Schlink 13feb04
STUNG by Davis Cup disappointment, Lleyton Hewitt embarked yesterday on a
search for grand slam glory and a single-figure ranking.
Hewitt flew out of Adelaide bound for the ABN/AMRO tournament in Rotterdam from
Monday, when he will renew acquaintances with teammate Mark Philippoussis.
Hewitt's Australian Open conqueror Roger Federer heads a star-studded field,
which also includes Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rainer Schuettler, Tim Henman and
Sebastien Grosjean.
Hewitt, 22, is ranked 13th after ending a fractured 2003 at No. 17.
But he is only 30 rankings points behind 10th-placed Paradorn Srichaphan and,
with a decent showing next week, can make significant inroads.
Hewitt will face another rankings challenge next month when he tries to
maintain his position despite, at this stage, having no plans to defend the
title he won in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The South Australian also won the Indian Wells Masters Series event last year,
meaning he again needs to excel in the Californian desert to hold his ground.
"My main goal this year is to do well at the slams," Hewitt said. "My schedule
is a little bit different, but the aim is to peak at the slams."
Hewitt is expected to break back into the top five by the end of the year,
given his moderate form at the majors last year and the fact he played only
13 tournaments.
After Indian Wells, Hewitt has only a modest amount of rankings points to
defend.
Hewitt has been relaxing and practising in Adelaide following Australia's 4-1
first-round Davis Cup loss to Sweden.
The right-hander, shattered at the team failure, was nevertheless content with
the form that carried him to a straight-sets victory over teenager Robin
Soderling.
Hewitt will contest the Miami Masters event next month before preparing for
the claycourt season, encompassing possible appearances in Barcelona, Rome,
Hamburg, Dusseldorf and Paris.
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