[情報] Hewitt still hopeful for U.S. Open despite defeat
Wednesday August 13, 09:52 AM
Hewitt still hopeful for U.S. Open despite defeat
By Stephen Wood
CINCINNATI, Aug 12 (Reuters) - World number six Lleyton Hewitt says he can still win the U.S. Open despite suffering a surprise first-round defeat at the $2.45 million Cincinnati Masters Series on Tuesday.
The fifth seed from Australia lost 3-6 6-4 6-2 to unseeded Belgian Xavier Malisse, leaving himself with no more match practice in singles ahead of the season's final grand slam in New York later this month.
"I'd probably like to have more matches going into the Open," Hewitt told reporters.
"But grand slams are different. If you can get through a few matches and the draw opens up and you get confident, then everyone knows (what can happen).
"Look at Pete Sampras last year, and even the two occasions I've won grand slams, I've got better as the tournament has gone on," added Hewitt, who finished 2001 and 2002 as the world number one.
Sampras, the 14 times grand slam winner, triumphed at Flushing Meadows a year ago against expectations.
INDIFFERENT YEAR
There will have to be a similar startling change in fortune for Hewitt if the former Wimbledon and U.S. Open champion is to prove his own theory.
The 22-year-old has had an indifferent year, pockmarked by his fourth-round exit at the Australian Open and first-round demise at Wimbledon.
Worse still from a player famed for his reserves of fighting spirit, he could not even put up significant resistance against Malisse.
"I didn't feel great out there...I don't know why," said Hewitt, who also lost in the second round of the Montreal Masters Series last week.
"It was my legs. I wasn't 100 percent. I don't think it is something you can say is 'wrong with me'.
"Hopefully it won't be a general thing. Hopefully I'll be able to get my game right for the Open.
"You know, I've felt pretty good over the last couple of weeks...I made the final in Los Angeles (this month) and have been hitting the ball well."
Hewitt, who took time off earlier this year because of tiredness, is still in the doubles competition here, alongside compatriot Mark Philippoussis.
He will spend next week practising in New York.
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