Hewitt relieved to get quick win before Federer clash

MELBOURNE - A quick win over injured opponent Marcos Baghdatis was perfect preparation for a fourth-round showdown with world number one Roger Federer at the Australian Open, Lleyton Hewitt said on Saturday.

By (Reuters)

Published: Sat 23 Jan 2010, 7:09 PM

Last updated: Tue 7 Nov 2023, 12:05 PM

The 22nd-seeded Australian has not beaten Federer in their last 14 encounters but will go into the match fresh after Cypriot Baghdatis retired hurt while trailing 6-0 4-2 in their clash at Rod Laver Arena.

“It’s just a blessing I didn’t finish really late and have to bounce back from a tough five-set match because it’s hard enough playing (Federer) when you’re fresh,” Hewitt told reporters.

“I’ll do all the same preparation I’ve been doing. Everything is going according to plan so far.”

Pundits had forecast Hewitt would face a tough battle against Baghdatis after the two slugged it out for nearly five hours in 2008 in a match that finished after 4:30 a.m, the tournament’s latest on record.

But a shoulder injury to Baghdatis, first felt during his five-set match against David Ferrer in the second round, hampered his serve from the start and ultimately cut the match short.

Unfortunately for Hewitt, Federer is unlikely to feel particularly jaded after mowing through 31st seed Albert Montanes in less than two hours.

The Swiss also has the luxury of knowing his last loss to the Australian was during a Davis Cup semi-final in Melbourne in 2003.

Hewitt took heart from his last defeat to Federer, however, the third round of the U.S. Open where he took the first set before being ground down over the next three.

“I still think there’s room for improvement in my game,” said Hewitt who breezed through his first two rounds in straight sets.

“I took it up another notch tonight which was great. I hit the ball as well as I have hit it in a long time. It’s not gonna be easy against Roger ... I’ll be ready come Monday.”