Hewitt is a champ, and if he wanted to I think he could have become world no1 for 3yrs in a row.... but his style of play is just to demanding not just on his body but on his mind as well. Below are a list of things he achieved last year, the year of course after he was crowned world number 1.
- Last year Hewitt became only fourth player to rank No. 1 for every week during calendar year, joining Connors, Lendl and Sampras....
- Has been No. 1 on ATP Entry Ranking every week since he first took over top spot on Nov. 19, 2001 after winning Tennis Masters Cup title in Sydney...
- Also seventh player to finish No. 1 for at least two straight years (Sampras-6, Connors-5, McEnroe-4, Lendl-3, Borg-2, Edberg-2)...
- Captured five titles in seven finals and won at least 60 matches for a third straight season...
- Co-leader in titles (w/Agassi) and led circuit with 61 match wins...
- Became first player to win back-to-back year-end titles since Sampras in 1996-97...
- Had a streak of 10 consecutive finals won come to an end with his runner-up effort at TMS Cincinnati...
- After overcoming a bout of chicken pox in first month of season, captured his first title in San Jose where he saved two more match points over Agassi in one of most exciting finals of year...
- Hewitt became the first player to win Queen's title three straight years since John McEnroe from 1979-81...
- He then became first Aussie to capture Wimbledon title since Pat Cash in 1987...Dropped only two sets during fortnight
- Went into the US Open as defending champion and advanced to SF, losing to Agassi in four sets...
- Helped Australia back into 2003 Davis Cup World Group by posting a singles and doubles victory in 5-0 decision over India...
- Hewitt had most TMS match wins (23) on circuit...
- Compiled records of 14-0 on grass, 33-9 on hard, 10-5 on clay and 4-1 on carpet...
- Led circuit in return games won (33 percent) for third straight year and points won returning first serve (35 percent)...
- Finished No. 10 in aces with a career-best 536...
- Earned a career-high $4,619,386.
So as you can see he did have a very big year last season and it had to take its toll eventually
This season was all about just playing now and then, try and get refocussed for years to come and to try and bring his body and mind down a notch... he has done that by playing just 15 tournaments this year and that is the least amount of tournaments played by anyone who is currently sitting in the 50 of the champions race.
Next year I think we will see the old Hewitt back, he has already confirmed that he will play in the Hopman Cup, Addidas Internation in Sydney and then he will play in the Australian Open. Now if the start of his season is anything to go buy then we are sure to see the old Hewitt back and regain his position at the top of the mens circuit
. one day.
