Lleyton Hewitt bid a fond farewell to the Australian Open crowd as he left the stadium with his family.
Lleyton Hewitt bid a fond farewell to the Australian Open crowd as he left the stadium with his family.
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The 34-year-old bowed out of the tournament -- and the game -- after losing his second round match against David Ferrer. Hewitt was gallant in defeat and embraced his opponent, congratulating him on his victory.
The 34-year-old bowed out of the tournament -- and the game -- after losing his second round match against David Ferrer. Hewitt was gallant in defeat and embraced his opponent, congratulating him on his victory.
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The stadium was packed full for the occasion, with Hewitt supporters keen to witness the final foray of a true legend of the game.
The stadium was packed full for the occasion, with Hewitt supporters keen to witness the final foray of a true legend of the game.
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The trademark fist pump was seen more than once, but Hewitt was ultimately unable to overcome his opponent, losing in straight sets 6-2 6-4 6-4.
The trademark fist pump was seen more than once, but Hewitt was ultimately unable to overcome his opponent, losing in straight sets 6-2 6-4 6-4.
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Whatever the result, the home setting made this a fitting exit for the player.
Whatever the result, the home setting made this a fitting exit for the player.
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Lleyton Hewitt calls time on his tennis career, 20 years after appearing in his first Australian Open.
Lleyton Hewitt calls time on his tennis career, 20 years after appearing in his first Australian Open.
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Hewitt was always proud to play for his country, and led Australia to Davis Cup success in 1999 and 2003. He will take up the role of team captain in March 2016 after retiring from playing.
Hewitt was always proud to play for his country, and led Australia to Davis Cup success in 1999 and 2003. He will take up the role of team captain in March 2016 after retiring from playing.
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Hewitt's trademarks included wearing his baseball cap the wrong way around and endlessly fist-pumping during matches.
Hewitt's trademarks included wearing his baseball cap the wrong way around and endlessly fist-pumping during matches.
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Hewitt's former coach Darren Cahill says the Adelaide native's greatest victory came against Gustavo Kuerten during a 2001 Davis Cup tie in Brazil, where Australia won 3-1.
Hewitt's former coach Darren Cahill says the Adelaide native's greatest victory came against Gustavo Kuerten during a 2001 Davis Cup tie in Brazil, where Australia won 3-1.
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Hewitt's big breakthrough moment came in 2001 when he defeated Pete Sampras to win the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows. Hewitt won in straight sets to stun the home crowd in New York.
Hewitt's big breakthrough moment came in 2001 when he defeated Pete Sampras to win the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows. Hewitt won in straight sets to stun the home crowd in New York.
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A year later, Hewitt was at it again, this time winning Wimbledon. On this occasion, he defeated Argentina's David Nalbandian 6-1 6-3 6-2 in the final.
A year later, Hewitt was at it again, this time winning Wimbledon. On this occasion, he defeated Argentina's David Nalbandian 6-1 6-3 6-2 in the final.
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Hewitt married actress/singer Rebecca Cartwright in 2005, and they have three children: Mia, Cruz and Ava. He was previously engaged to fellow tennis star Kim Clijsters.<br />
Hewitt married actress/singer Rebecca Cartwright in 2005, and they have three children: Mia, Cruz and Ava. He was previously engaged to fellow tennis star Kim Clijsters.
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Hewitt reached his only Australian Open final in 2005 but was beaten by Marat Safin. The Russian came from behind to win 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Hewitt reached his only Australian Open final in 2005 but was beaten by Marat Safin. The Russian came from behind to win 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
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Since making his Davis Cup debut in 1999, Hewitt has played 78 matches in the competition, winning 50 of them. As well as winning two titles, he was on the losing side in two finals.
Since making his Davis Cup debut in 1999, Hewitt has played 78 matches in the competition, winning 50 of them. As well as winning two titles, he was on the losing side in two finals.
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Hewitt has enjoyed great support wherever he's played, courtesy of the "Aussie Fanatics" who follow their favorite players across the world.
Hewitt has enjoyed great support wherever he's played, courtesy of the "Aussie Fanatics" who follow their favorite players across the world.
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