Hewitt targets 2011 World Tour Finals
Originally published on: 06/12/10 16:38
Lleyton Hewitt is looking to put his injury-hit season behind him in 2011, with the former world No.1 determined to put himself in contention for a place at Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.
“If I play a full year I’d like to finish in the Masters Cup,” said Hewitt, referring to the competiton he won twice by its former name when asked of his 2011 ambitions.
“That would be a realistic goal but it’s not something I’m focused on, ranking points, and I won’t go chasing small tournaments to get in there,” he added.
“But if I do what I think I’m capable of in the bigger tournaments and especially the Grand Slams than I think it’s a realistic goal.”
A large part of his renewed optimism has been the re-appointment of his former coach Tony Roche, who has also coached the likes of Roger Federer, Pat Rafter and Ivan Lendl in the past.
“He’s one of the greatest coaches out there, so I’m extremely privileged to have him in my corner,” said Hewitt, who is said to be focusing on both his fitness and his serve with the veteran coach.
Despite the slip down the rankings to No.54 in the world and undergoing a second hip operation at the start of the 2010 season, Hewitt also ruled out any retirement plans in the near future.
“This won’t be my last [Australian Open], but I don’t have a number,” said Hewitt, who turns 30 in February.
“The injuries I’ve had and the small set-backs with those, it probably goes through your mind a little bit more because you never know what’s absolutely around the corner.
“But the fortunate thing about tennis is that I can retire on my terms.”
Hewitt said that his victory over Roger Federer, which ended 15-match losing streak against the Swiss, to win his 28th career title in Halle in June was “huge” and proved he still has what it takes.
“I still feel when I play my best tennis and I’m able to compete against the best guys,” added the former US Open and Wimbledon champion.
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