Just before the third set, Hewitt received a full medical time-out for further treatment on his left thigh. The Australian still had a sense of humor during his final match, joking to the trainer in the second set that he was ‘old‘. The humor subsided during the early stage of the third set as the former world No.1 still struggled to find a way to break Ferrer’s game. The mood deteriorated after a foot fault call, handed the Spaniard two more break points. Ferrer broke to lead 2-1 with his second chance after producing a standout backhand winner. Despite leading by a break and two sets, Ferrer still had trouble dismissing Hewitt. It was the 10th time lucky for Hewitt as he finally broke Ferrer for the first time in the match to level 3-3, sending the crowd into hysteria. The momentum was short-lived as Ferrer remained calm and stuck to his game plan to break back.
Losing his first break of the match, there was a heated argument between Hewitt and Pascal Maria during the changeover. Hewitt complained about the line judge and asked him to change them. During the heated discussion, which resulted in the Australian receiving as a warning, Hewitt made this comment to the umpire.
“You’re so full of yourself, people in the locker know that“. An aggravated Hewitt said.
Serving to stay in the final singles match of his career, Hewitt handed Ferrer the early advantage with a double fault. Despite the odds mounting against him, the 34-year-old refused to go out as he held serve to force Ferrer to serve for the match. Ferrer easily sealed the match after a forehand shot forced Hewitt to return it out.
The win might of been Ferrer’s but the match was all about Hewitt. A standing ovation erupted after the match, celebrating Hewitt’s final match at the Australian Open. Following his straight sets win over the Australian, Ferrer paid tribute to Hewitt.
“It’s a sad day because Lleyton is finishing his career”. The world No.8 said.
“This match is very special for me because I was playing in Lleyton’s final match. Tonight was for him, not me”.
Usually the loser doesn’t give an on-court interview, however, an exception with given to Hewitt in his final match. Following his loss, the 34-year-old admitted that Ferrer was too good for him.
“He was too good tonight, he’s a top-8 player in the world. He’s at the top of his game at the moment”. Hewitt said.
“I gave everything I had, like always. That’s something I can always be proud of my whole career, I’ve given 100%. I’m so lucky to of have this opportunity for 20 years on the roll”.
“It’s a weird emotion, I don’t think it will set in for a couple days time”. He later added about playing his final match.
During the interview, a video was uploaded to the screen of players including Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer paying tribute to Hewitt.
Lleyton Hewitt’s Australian record (singles)
Number of main draw appearance – 20
First appearance – 1997
Matches played – 51
Matches won- 32 (62% winning rate)
Best result – runner-up in 2005
Performance from 1997-2016 – R1, R1, R2, R4, R3, R1, R4, R4, RU, R2, R3, R4, R1, R4, R1, R1, R2,R2
