Re-live Lleyton Hewitt’s 10 greatest triumphs

VIDEO: As Lleyton Hewitt’s career finished in typically fighting fashion, LEO SCHLINK nominates ‘Rusty’s’ 10 greatest triumphs.

AS Lleyton Hewitt’s career finished in typically fighting fashion, LEO SCHLINK nominates ‘Rusty’s’ 10 greatest triumphs.

1. 2001 Davis Cup quarter-final, Florianopolis

PITTED against world No.1 Gustavo Kuerten on clay, Hewitt nervelessly piloted Australia to one of its most treasured victories abroad. In three matches on a slow surface over thee days, he did not drop serve — or lose his nerve — against the Brazilians in raucously inhospitable conditions

Farewelling one of our greats: Lleyton Hewitt retires

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2. 1999 Davis Cup quarter-final, Boston

PROMOTED for his singles debut in the absence of injured Mark Philippoussis, a teenaged Hewitt destroyed Australian Open and US Open finalist Todd Martin. Watched by a string of former greats at the centenary tie between the competition’s two most successful nations, Hewitt clinically dissected Martin to help Australia to a thumping win.

3. 2001 US Open final, New York

PETE Sampras had won 13 of his 14 majors when Hewitt obliterated the sport’s most decorated serve-volleyer. Picking off the American’s ballistic serve at will, Hewitt stormed to his maiden major two days before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Two months later, Hewitt became the youngest world No.1 in history.

4. 2002 Wimbledon, London

BY now, Hewitt was clearly the best player in the world — and he proved it at the home of tennis. Overcoming a quarter-final glitch against Dutchman Sjeng Schalken, Hewitt dropped only two sets in seven matches to pocket his most prized title.

5. 2003 Davis Cup semi-final, Melbourne

TRAILING Roger Federer by two sets to love in the deciding rubber, Hewitt’s and Australia’s hopes appeared dashed as freshly minted Wimbledon champion Federer surged to the brink of victory. Hewitt ignored the seeming certainty of defeat to conjure a five-set miracle that ultimately allowed Australia to lift the Cup.

6. 1998 Australian Men’s Hardcourt, Adelaide

MAKING his debut at ATP level two months shy of his 17th birthday, Hewitt scorched through the draw beating Scott Draper, Mark Woodforde, Vince Spadea, Andre Agassi and Jason Stoltenberg to win the title. Setting a string of records, Hewitt’s fearlessness was obvious even then — as a year 11 Immanuel College student.

7. 2000 Davis Cup final, Barcelona

IMMUNE to the whistling, jeering and heckling, Hewitt overcame Spain’s Albert Costa in 4hr 9min in one of the most courageous wins by an Australian abroad. Then-captain John Newcombe believes Hewitt’s incredible will power was the difference between success and failure.

8. 2008 Australian Open, Melbourne

NOW struggling with injuries, Hewitt retained his trademark defiance and ambition. His five-set win over Marcos Baghdatis in a match that finished at 4.33am typified his ability to overcome even the most daunting circumstances.

9. 2000 Australian Open, Melbourne

FORMER world No.2 and dual French Open finalist Alex Corretja stood between Hewitt and the third round. But he was given one of the worst beltings of his career — 6-0 6-0 6-1 — as the young Australian announced himself as a serious grand slam contender.

10. 2005 Australian Open, Melbourne

FIVE months before he won the first of nine French Open titles, Rafael Nadal crossed swords with Hewitt on Rod Laver Arena. The Spaniard led by two sets to one before Hewitt clawed his way into the quarter-finals, a feat that paved the way for him to reach the final, where he was beaten by Marat Safin.