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Hewitt: The greatest ever Davis Cup servant?


 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 15:33

As Australia prepare for a relatively straightforward second round Group I Asia/Oceania play-off against Thailand, Australian Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald has heaped praise on his star player, former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt.

I cant speak highly enough about what Lleyton does for this team and his country. He flew 30 hours to be here, said Fitzgerald. Then hell fly straight back and play Indian Wells next week.

Hewitt, who has set himself the target of reaching the top 10 again this year, has once again put his country’s needs before his own tour ambitions. You can never doubt his commitment to this team. He deserves some credit, added the Aussie captain.

[Rafael] Nadal has a pretty good record in the competition but, over a longer period, Lleyton and Andy Roddick are the two players who really stand out for their commitment. Fitzgerald continues, And if you check the records, Lleytons probably been playing Davis Cup longer.

Australia face Thailand at the 1,500-seater National Tennis Development Centre in Nonthaburi, which is about 20-km northwest of Bangkok.

Hewitt (world No.72) is joined by Chris Guccione (No.127), Brydan Klein (No.189) and Carsten Ball (No.194). The play-off winner will face either Taiwan or India in May for a shot at the world group play-offs in September.

For more information, statistics on the tie, and information about the competing players visit the Davis Cup website.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.