Hewitt maintains focus despite court change
Hewitt maintains focus despite court change
By Stephen Wood
NEW YORK, Sept 4 (Reuters) - Lleyton Hewitt expressed disbelief at the
circumstances behind his fourth-round win over Thai Paradorn Srichaphan
on Thursday.
The Australian sixth seed, who captured the Flushing Meadows title in 2001,
beat Paradorn 4-6 6-2 6-4 6-2 to set up a quarter-final meeting with third
seed Juan Carlos Ferrero.
It was Hewitt who eventually shrugged off an impromptu court change earlier
on Thursday, when organisers switched their rain-hit encounter to court 11
from the Grandstand showcourt.
The Grandstand court had a problem with water seepage, leaving pools of
water over the surface which would not clear.
"I've never had (a court change mid-match) happen to me," said Hewitt,
who was trailing Paradorn 4-3 when they resumed on Thursday.
"Not only at a grand slam but even at a local junior country tournament
back in Australia.
"We went to warm up on Grandstand this morning and there was water coming
out of the court...It was incredible, I've never seen anything like it.
"It was like playing on ice. There was no way Paradorn or I was going to
go out there. Anyone would have risked injury."
The rain delays left Hewitt having to play four matches in four days to
win the title.
In contrast, Americans Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick managed to reach the
last eight on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, giving them extra rest.
Hewitt laughed off suggestions that the United States Tennis Association
(USTA) wanted to help their players ahead of others but added: "It is
going to be tough to win four matches in a row.
"So maybe there is a disadvantage in that respect.
"But I felt I went up a gear against Paradorn and it gives me confidence.
"I need to improve still but I have good memories of playing here over
the years and I believe I'm good enough to win (again)."
Hewitt has now reached four quarter-finals here in each of the last four
years.
--
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