Lleyton Hewitt’s weak reply shows Bernard Tomic’s winning the fight, writes Scott Gullan

Lleyton Hewitt missed a golden opportunity to put his feud with Bernard Tomic to rest, instead, he lined his pockets with a weak ‘exclusive’ interview, writes Scott Gullan.

Lleyton Hewitt has spoken out over Bernard Tomic’s comments at the Australian Open. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

• Fact v Fiction: What Tomic got right in Hewitt rant
• Pat Cash weighs in on Tomic-Hewitt stoush

C’mon Lley-Lley.

This should have been an easy sell. Get on the front foot at an open press conference and answer questions on all the issues Bernard Tomic raised, regardless of how silly you may think they were.

Instead you hid, fronting up on Channel Nine for an “exclusive” interview that was underwhelming to say the least.

Lleyton Hewitt has spoken out over Bernard Tomic’s comments at the Australian Open. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

So Bernie accused you of putting your hand in the till by getting kickbacks for wildcards and pushing the barrow for players who are managed by your people and then you go and do exactly the same thing.

Channel Nine is paying for your services this week as a commentator. This wasn’t a time to line your pockets.

The captain of our Davis Cup team should be on the front foot and speaking openly and honestly to the public, not doing a set-up Dorothy Dixer interview that failed to reach any great heights or answer most of the relevant questions.

Hewitt failed to put the issue to bed on Tuesday. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

We all know Bernie is “being Bernie” - as you said - but in all the mud slinging there has to be some elements of truth.

The problem being you missed a perfect opportunity to return serve and put the issue to bed. Instead it will not only drag on but incredibly Bernie is starting to win over the punters and land some punches.

Tomic didn’t hold back with his thoughts of Hewitt. Picture: Michael Klein

WHAT HEWITT SAID

“I had a bit of a laugh actually, it’s kind of Bernie being Bernie,” Hewitt said.

“Especially after a loss last night and going in and complaining about a few things, so for me I kind of just laugh it off and move forward.

“Obviously working with so many of the guys as well, I’m still excited.

“I guess the disappointing thing is the Aussies had such a great day yesterday on both the men and women’s side and it probably got overshadowed by Bernie’s comments.”

Hewitt refused to admit there’s a rift with Tomic. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

IS THERE A RIFT?

“I don’t think there’s a rift,” he said.

“There’s always communication going on between the captain, coaches and the players, and leading into the next tie that will all happen.

“Those boys are going on for big matches today.

“The communication, we’ve spoken before the Australian Open, we’ll continue to speak after the Australian Open leading into the next Davis Cup tie then we work out, next week, our best team moving forward for the Adelaide tie.

“But for me, I just love being a part (of it) and helping the Australian players as much as possible.”

Experience the best of international tennis LIVE. SIGN UP TO KAYO NOW!