Lleyton Hewitt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Lleyton Hewitt
AM

Full name	Lleyton Glynn Hewitt
Country (sports)	Australia
Residence	Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Born	(1981-02-24) 24 February 1981 (age 44) Adelaide, South Australia
Spouse(s)	Bec Cartwright ​ (m. 2005)​
Children	3
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Turned pro	1998
Retired	2016 (singles) 2020 (doubles)
Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
Coach	Coaches list
Prize money	US$20,889,965  28th all-time leader in earnings
Int. Tennis HoF	2021 (member page)
Singles
Career record	616–262 (70.16%) (70.2%)
Career titles	30
Highest ranking	No. 1 (19 November 2001)
Grand Slam singles results
Australian Open	F (2005)
French Open	QF (2001, 2004)
Wimbledon	W (2002)
US Open	W (2001)
Other tournaments
Tour Finals	W (2001, 2002)
Olympic Games	3R (2012)
Doubles
Career record	134–112 (54.47%) (54.5%)
Career titles	3
Highest ranking	No. 18 (23 October 2000)
Grand Slam doubles results
Australian Open	QF (2018)
French Open	2R (1999)
Wimbledon	3R (1999, 2012, 2014, 2015)
US Open	W (2000)
Other doubles tournaments
Olympic Games	QF (2008)
Mixed doubles
Career record	9–5 (64.29%)
Career titles	0
Grand Slam mixed doubles results
Australian Open	1R (1998)
French Open	3R (2000)
Wimbledon	F (2000)
Other mixed doubles tournaments
Olympic Games	QF (2012)
Team competitions
Davis Cup	W (1999, 2003)
Hopman Cup	F (2003)

Lleyton Glynn Hewitt (born 24 February 1981) is an Australian former tennis player. He was once the world No. 1 in men's singles. Lleyton is the most recent Australian man to win a major singles title. He won the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002.

In November 2001, Hewitt became the youngest man to reach No. 1 in the ATP singles rankings. He was only 20 years old. Overall, he won 30 singles titles and 3 doubles titles. This includes the US Open men's doubles title in 2000. He also won the Tour Finals twice, in 2001 and 2002. Hewitt helped Australia win the Davis Cup in 1999 and 2003. He played in a record twenty straight Australian Open tournaments from 1997 to 2016. His best result there was reaching the final in 2005. He was also a finalist at the 2004 US Open.

Early Life & Start in Tennis

Where Lleyton Grew Up

Lleyton Hewitt was born in Adelaide, South Australia. His dad, Glynn, used to play Australian rules football. His mom, Cherilyn, was a physical education teacher. Lleyton has a younger sister, Jaslyn, who was a tennis coach and bodybuilder.

Lleyton also played Australian Football until he was 13. That's when he decided to focus on tennis. He trained at Seaside Tennis Club and Denman Tennis Club.

Turning Professional

Hewitt started his professional tennis career in 1998. He became one of the youngest players to win an Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tournament. This happened when he won the 1998 Next Generation Adelaide International. He beat Jason Stoltenberg in the final. Before that, he had defeated the famous player Andre Agassi in the semi-finals.

After this big win, Hewitt left Immanuel College to focus fully on his tennis career. He also received a scholarship from the Australian Institute of Sport. Lleyton played his last professional singles match on January 21, 2016. In 2022, he was added to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Junior Years & First Big Matches

As a junior player, Hewitt had a good record in singles matches. He reached No. 17 in the world for juniors in 1997. He also reached No. 13 in doubles.

Junior Singles Titles

No.	Date	Tournament	Surface	Opponent	Score
1.	8 April 1997	Manila, Philippines	Hard	Wesley Whitehouse	6–4, 6–3

Major Achievements & Career Highlights

Hewitt and fellow Australian Mark Philippoussis talk during a doubles match in 2005.

2000: US Open Doubles Champion

In 2000, Hewitt reached his first Grand Slam final. This was in mixed doubles at Wimbledon, playing with his girlfriend at the time, Kim Clijsters. They lost the match.

Later that year, Hewitt won his first Grand Slam title. He and Max Mirnyi won the men's doubles championship at the US Open. At 19 years and 6 months old, Hewitt became the youngest male player to win a Grand Slam doubles title in the Open Era.

2001: US Open Singles Champion & World No. 1

Hewitt started the 2001 season strong by winning a title in Sydney. He then won two more tournaments before the US Open.

He won his first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. He beat former world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the semi-finals. Then, he defeated four-time champion Pete Sampras in straight sets in the final. This made Hewitt the most recent male player to win both a Grand Slam singles and doubles title in his career.

After winning the Tokyo Open, Hewitt qualified for the year-end Tennis Masters Cup. He won all his matches in his group. By beating Pat Rafter, Hewitt became the year-end world No. 1 for the first time. He then won the final against Sébastien Grosjean, confirming his spot as the world's top player.

Hewitt with Roddick

2002: Wimbledon Victory & Staying No. 1

The year 2002 began with a surprise loss for Hewitt at the Australian Open. He was the No. 1 seed but lost in the first round. He was recovering from chickenpox at the time.

However, Hewitt quickly bounced back. He won three titles: San Jose, Indian Wells, and Queen's. His win against Andre Agassi in San Jose was considered one of the best matches of the year.

Hewitt then won the Wimbledon singles title. He beat David Nalbandian in straight sets in the final. Hewitt only lost two sets during the entire tournament. This win showed that a player who stays at the back of the court (a baseliner) could win on grass. Hewitt was the last man outside the "Big Four" (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray) to win Wimbledon until 2023.

For the third year in a row, he played in the year-end Tennis Masters Cup. He successfully defended his title by beating Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final. Hewitt finished the year ranked No. 1 for the second straight year.

2003: Another Masters Title & Davis Cup Win

In 2003, Hewitt won the Indian Wells tournament again, beating former No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten. But at Wimbledon, as the defending champion, Hewitt lost in the first round. This was a big surprise.

Later in 2003, Hewitt played only Davis Cup matches. He helped Australia win the Davis Cup by beating Roger Federer and Juan Carlos Ferrero in tough five-set matches. Australia won the Davis Cup that year.

2004: US Open & Masters Cup Finals

In 2004, Hewitt reached the finals of the US Open and the Tennis Masters Cup. However, he lost both finals to Roger Federer. Throughout the year, he lost to the eventual champion in every Grand Slam tournament he played.

2005: Australian Open Finalist

Lleyton Hewitt at the US Open in 2005.

In 2005, Hewitt won his only title of the year in Sydney. He then reached his first Australian Open final. He was the first Australian man to reach this final since 1988. In the final, he lost to Marat Safin.

At Wimbledon, Hewitt reached the semi-finals but lost to Federer. He also lost to Federer in the US Open semi-finals. Hewitt had to miss the Tennis Masters Cup in 2005 because his wife was expecting their child.

Hewitt at the 2006 US Open.

2006: 25th Career Title

Hewitt won his first tournament in 17 months at the Queen's Club Championships in 2006. This was his fourth title there, matching records set by John McEnroe and Boris Becker. He reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the US Open that year.

2007: 26th Career Title

In 2007, Hewitt won a title in Las Vegas. This meant he had won at least one ATP title every year for ten years in a row. He reached the semi-finals in Hamburg and the quarterfinals or semi-finals in other big tournaments.

Lleyton Hewitt at Cincinnati in 2007.

2008: Injuries & No Titles

A hip injury in 2008 affected Hewitt's season. He still reached the fourth round of the Australian Open. He also made it to the third round of the French Open and the fourth round of Wimbledon. After the Olympics, he had to have hip surgery. This was the first year since 1997 that Hewitt did not win a title.

2009: Clay Title & Wimbledon Quarters

After his hip surgery, Hewitt returned to play in 2009. He won his first clay-court title in a decade at the 2009 U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships. This was his first title since 2007.

He also recorded his 500th career win in 2009. This made him one of only a few active players to reach this milestone. At Wimbledon, Hewitt reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2006. He lost a very close five-set match to Andy Roddick.

Lleyton Hewitt at the 2009 Wimbledon Championships.

Hewitt at the 2009 US Open.

2010: Halle Title & Beating Federer

Lleyton Hewitt at the 2010 Australian Open.

In 2010, Hewitt had another hip operation. He returned to the tour and won the Gerry Weber Open in Germany. In the final, he defeated Roger Federer. This was Hewitt's first win over Federer since 2003, ending a 15-match losing streak against him.

Djokovic and Hewitt at Wimbledon in 2010.

2011: More Surgery & Out of Top 100

Hewitt started 2011 by winning the AAMI Kooyong Classic. However, he had to undergo surgery on his left foot. This kept him off the tour for over three months. He struggled with injuries throughout the year.

2012: First ATP Final in Two Years

Lleyton Hewitt at the French Open in 2012.

In 2012, Hewitt received a wildcard to play in the 2012 Australian Open. He made a great run, beating Andy Roddick and Milos Raonic. He then faced world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the fourth round. Hewitt fought hard but lost in four sets.

Later that year, he reached his first ATP final in two years at Newport. He lost to John Isner in the final. Hewitt also played in his third Olympics in London.

Lleyton Hewitt signing autographs after a match in Newport in 2012.

2013: Five Top Ten Wins

Lleyton Hewitt at the 2013 Australian Open.

In 2013, Hewitt won the AAMI Kooyong Classic again. He also had some big wins against top players. At Wimbledon, he beat top ten player Stanislas Wawrinka in the first round.

Lleyton Hewitt practicing at the Queen's Club in 2013.

At the US Open, Hewitt had an amazing five-set win against former US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro. He received the Newcombe Medal as the best Australian tennis player in 2013.

Hewitt serving at the 2013 US Open.

2014: 30th Career Title & 600 Wins

Hewitt started 2014 by winning the 2014 Brisbane International. He beat Roger Federer in the final, which was his 29th career title. This win also made him the Australian number one again.

Lleyton Hewitt at the Queen's Club in 2014.

In 2014, Hewitt achieved his 600th ATP win. He became only the third active player to reach this milestone. He won his 30th career singles title at the Newport Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. He also won the doubles title there with Chris Guccione.

Hewitt in Madrid in 2014.

2015: Farewell Year

Hewitt & Kokkinakis at Wimbledon in 2015.

Hewitt announced his plan to retire after the 2016 Australian Open. He also planned to become the captain of the Australian Davis Cup team.

Lleyton Hewitt at Wimbledon in 2015.

At Wimbledon, Hewitt played his 18th and final tournament. He lost a very long five-set match in the first round. He also played doubles and mixed doubles.

Hewitt & Dellacqua at Wimbledon in 2015.

Hewitt played a key role in the Davis Cup quarterfinals. He and Sam Groth won their doubles match. Hewitt then won the final singles match to give Australia a comeback victory.

2016: Retirement & Player-Captain

Hewitt playing alongside James Blake in a Wimbledon Invitational Doubles tournament in 2023.

Hewitt officially retired from singles tennis after the 2016 Australian Open. He won his first-round match but lost in the second round to David Ferrer. Many players praised his fighting spirit after his final match.

In March 2016, Hewitt came out of retirement briefly. He played doubles in the Davis Cup as a player-captain. He also played doubles at Wimbledon later that year.

2018-2020: Doubles Comebacks

Hewitt continued to play doubles in 2018 and 2019. He reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open doubles with Sam Groth. This was his best doubles result at the Australian Open. He also teamed up with Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson in other tournaments.

In 2020, Hewitt played in his hometown of Adelaide for the first time in over a decade. He also played doubles at the Australian Open. Hewitt now often commentates matches at the Australian Open.

National Representation

Davis Cup

Hewitt first played for Australia in the Davis Cup in 1999. He was only 18 years old. He helped Australia win the Davis Cup in 1999 and again in 2003. By age 22, he had won more Davis Cup singles matches than any other Australian player.

Hewitt holds several Australian Davis Cup records. These include most wins, most singles wins, most ties played, and most years played. He has beaten many top players in the Davis Cup.

World Team Cup

Hewitt also played for Australia in the World Team Cup. He helped Australia win the title in 2001. He beat No. 2 Marat Safin in the final.

Olympics

Hewitt at the London Olympics in 2012.

Hewitt played in his first Olympics in 2000 in Sydney. He also competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. In London, he reached the third round in singles. He also played mixed doubles with Sam Stosur.

Coaches

Lleyton Hewitt had several coaches during his career:

• Peter Smith (1997–1998)
• Darren Cahill (1998–2001)
• Jason Stoltenberg (2001–2003)
• Roger Rasheed (2003–2007)
• Scott Draper (2007)
• Tony Roche (2007–2009, 2010–2016)
• Nathan Healey (2009–2010)
• Brett Smith (2010)
• Peter Luczak (2013–2016)

Playing Style

Lleyton Hewitt getting ready to hit the ball.

Hewitt is known as a defensive counterpuncher. This means he likes to stay at the back of the court during a rally. He usually only comes to the net for short shots. Hewitt's shots rely on good placement rather than just power. He is very good at returning serves and chasing down difficult shots. He keeps the ball deep until he can hit a winning shot.

Even though he stays at the back of the court, Hewitt is good at hitting volleys. He is also known for having one of the best overhead smashes in tennis. His special shot is the offensive topspin lob. This is a shot he hits over his opponent when they come to the net. Many experts have said Hewitt's lob is the best in the world.

Awards

• 2001 – ATP Player of the Year
• 2002 – ATP Player of the Year
• 2002 – Australia's Male Athlete
• 2003 – Young Australian of the Year
• 2011 – Newcombe Medal. Spirit of Tennis Award
• 2013 – Newcombe Medal. Most outstanding Australian player in 2013
• Davis Cup Commitment Award
• 2016 – Member of the Order of Australia (for his service to tennis and the community).

Equipment

Lleyton Hewitt is sponsored by the clothing company Athletic DNA. He also has a "Head to Toe" deal with the Japanese sports company Yonex. Yonex provides his racquets, shoes, and other gear. His Yonex shoes are even inscribed with his nickname "Rusty" and an Australian flag.

Personal Life

Hewitt loves Australian rules football. He used to play the game when he was younger. He is a big supporter of the Adelaide Crows.

Hewitt was engaged to Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters in 2003, but they later broke up. On January 30, 2005, Hewitt proposed to Australian actress Bec Cartwright. They got married on July 21, 2005, and have three children.

Lleyton Hewitt's nickname is "Rusty." His former coach, Darren Cahill, gave him this name. It was inspired by a character named Rusty from the National Lampoon film series. Fans also sometimes call him 'Rocky' because he often shouts "C'mon Balboa," a reference to the movie character Rocky Balboa.

In April 2021, his twelve-year-old son, Cruz Hewitt, won a junior tennis title in Australia. In January 2024, Cruz played in the junior tournament at the Australian Open.

Career Statistics

Singles Performance in Grand Slams

Grand Slam Finals

Singles: 4 (2 Wins, 2 Losses)

Result	Year	Championship	Surface	Opponent	Score
Win	2001	US Open	Hard	Pete Sampras	7–6(7–4), 6–1, 6–1
Win	2002	Wimbledon	Grass	David Nalbandian	6–1, 6–3, 6–2
Loss	2004	US Open	Hard	Roger Federer	0–6, 6–7(3–7), 0–6
Loss	2005	Australian Open	Hard	Marat Safin	6–1, 3–6, 4–6, 4–6

Doubles: 1 (1 Win)

Result	Year	Championship	Surface	Partner	Opponents	Score
Win	2000	US Open	Hard	Max Mirnyi	Ellis Ferreira Rick Leach	6–4, 5–7, 7–6(7–5)

Mixed Doubles: 1 (1 Loss)

Result	Year	Championship	Surface	Partner	Opponents	Score
Loss	2000	Wimbledon	Grass	Kim Clijsters	Kimberly Po Donald Johnson	4–6, 6–7(3–7)

Records

Images for kids

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  Lleyton Hewitt signing autographs after a match in Newport in 2012.

See Also

In Spanish: Lleyton Hewitt para niños

• Lleyton Hewitt career statistics
• Wimbledon gentleman's singles champions
• US Open men's singles champions
• List of Grand Slam men's singles champions