Lleyton Hewitt

[Virgil]

As the years went on I began to watch his matches with interest and came to realize that although I didn't like is personality he was a very good player who always gave everything for his country. He never gives up in a match, even if he's being outclassed by a better player as he was tonight by Federer. It's all I can ask for as a supporter.

Really dislike the patriotism associated with tennis. With the exception of the Davis Cup, Lleyton doesn't play for his country, he plays for himself, just like every other professional tennis player.

 

[smoovy]

Oh come on. I don't hate the guy, but a few of the unpleasant things that stand out to me:

- the whole maybe-racist-remark thing with Blake at the US Open
- Calling an official a *******
- Percieved over-entitled attitude about the courts at Melbourne Park
- The ongoing crap with Nalbandian

So I can understand why some people think he's a tool. I mean, when you consider that he took over from the patron saint of nice guys as our most high-profile tennis player, it's not surprising that people think his behaviour is pretty crap.

1. A misunderstanding, the quote had no racist intent. He and Blake do not have an issues at all.
2. He was out of line there
3. Big deal, he was allowed to have his own opinion. It is a known fact amongst the players that the courts were slower than they used to be.
4. Takes two to tango

Your point about taking over from Rafter is spot on and it has influenced peoples perception.

 

[SJ]

I find it interesting that Safin's behaviour on court was pretty poor over his career (in my opinion, worse than Hewitt's) yet he was loved for it - 'Oh, that's just Marat being grumpy'. The opposite is true for Hewitt.

 

[Caesar]

I find it interesting that Safin's behaviour on court was pretty poor over his career (in my opinion, worse than Hewitt's) yet he was loved for it - 'Oh, that's just Marat being grumpy'. The opposite is true for Hewitt.

Maybe it's just the intense scrutiny we put on Australian players, but I recall Safin's bad behaviour being almost exclusively directed at himself. I mean, he smashed a lot of racquets, but I don't recall him calling officials names or having a rep for being disliked on tour for example.

It definitely helped that he was pretty funny and personable off the court - it became part of his eccentric character. Hewitt was always a lot more serious.

 

[smoovy]

Hewitt's haters on tour seem to be exclusively Argentinian.

 

[Rustin Cohle]

I kind of feel the same way about Roddick (instead of Safin). People hardly ever call him out on his outbursts. He seems to escape criticism from fans.

 

[SJ]

I kind of feel the same way about Roddick. People hadly ever call him out on his outbursts. He seems to escape criticism from fans.

I agree. Almost every match he is disrespectful to the umpire.

 

[Caesar]

I kind of feel the same way about Roddick (instead of Safin). People hardly ever call him out on his outbursts. He seems to escape criticism from fans.

"Stay in school kids, or you'll end up being an umpire."