Jordan Thompson throws support behind Lleyton Hewitt in wake of explosive Bernard Tomic criticism
Aussie star Jordan Thompson refused to buy into Bernard Tomic’s explosive criticism of Lleyton Hewitt, saying ‘he is very good to me. He’s been there a lot. And I appreciate it.’
Tennis
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Aussie star Jordan Thompson has expressed his strong supper for Lleyton Hewitt, saying he “doesn’t see what the problem is” with the Davis Cup captain still playing doubles.
Thompson, 24, partnered Hewitt last week when the pair made the semi-finals in Sydney.
And Hewitt was courtside again on Wednesday as Thompson went down to Andreas Seppi in straight sets.
Thompson refused to buy into Bernard Tomic’s explosive criticism about Hewitt’s role, but said he appreciated Hewitt’s unwavering support over his fledgling tennis career.
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“A great mentor, if you are willing to do the work he is going to help you. It’s good to have him around,” Thompson said.
“He was courtside at my match, he saw me in my locker room after. He is very good to me. He’s been there a lot. And I appreciate it.”
Tomic has called for Hewitt to move on from the Davis Cup team entirely, but Thompson suggested the Aussie great had a valuable role to play on and off the court.
“We made the semifinals (in Sydney),” Thompson said.
“We came within a whisker of making the finals, so I don’t see what the problem is. He is still playing. Semi final is not a bad result and I’m thankful he played with me.”
But Thompson would not comment specifically on Tomic’s claims that Hewitt gave
preferential treatment to some players.
“It’s got nothing to do with me, I just try and go about my business. He can say whatever he wants, but it doesn’t affect me,” he said.
“I don’t have a view. I just try and do what I need to do, not worry about all of this other business because at the end of the day we are all trying to play tennis, so I’ll just get on with the job.”