adminMelbourne – Headliner Lleyton Hewitt yesterday withdrew from his defence of the Kooyong Classic title, opting instead for a practice match against world number four Andy Murray on Friday.
Australia’s Hewitt, back inside the world top 50 after upsetting Roger Federer 6-1, 4-6, 6-3, in the final of the Brisbane International at the weekend, cited fatigue for the decision.
“It’s obvious that this week is all about Australian Open preparation and about getting in as a good nick as possible,” said Hewitt, ranked 43. “For the last four days in Brisbane, I played some tough matches in extreme heat.
“I have to do what’s right for my body before the biggest event in my country, I’ve always been looked after well here and I take pride in having won this event twice.
But not wanting to let down organisers and his fans at the Australian Open warm-up event, the 32-year-old former number one said he would happily play a one-off match against Murray. – AFP
Online Reporter