Players react to Lleyton Hewitt’s retirement
“I came out, I gave everything I had like always. I left nothing in the locker room and that’s something I can always be proud of.”
“I’ve been very fortunate that I’ve had such a great career and that I had the opportunity to go out on my terms. A lot of great sporting athletes don’t have that opportunity.”
"I've given 100%" Lleyton Hewitt gives his last on-court interview #ausopen https://t.co/dGWr0cTFwR
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2016
Lleyton Hewitt played his final singles match on Thursday, a straight sets loss to David Ferrer. The youngest ever world number one, the Australian won 2 Grand Slam titles (US Open 2001 and Wimbledon 2002), 2 ATP Tour Finals (2001 and 2002) and 2 Davis Cup (1999 and 2003). A skilled volleyer, he also captured the 2000 US Open doubles title with Max Mirnyi.
He inspired loads of today’ players (Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer among others), and his never-die-attitude and counterpuncher skills changed tennis forever.
David Ferrer had some really nice words for him during the on-court ceremony:
“He’s one of the best players in history and I have to tell you that … I don’t have idols, but Lleyton is my idol, I have a shirt signed by him seven years ago … it’s the only t-shirt of a tennis player I have. He’s an amazing player. He deserves everything. Tonight is the day for him, not for me.”
Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Nick Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic joined the tribute with video messages broadcast during the ceremony:
FAREWELL @rogerfederer, @RafaelNadal, @andy_murray and @NickKyrgios pay tribute to @lleytonhewitt… #HewBeauty https://t.co/btHVD73MEu
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2016
After the match, past and present champions took on Twitter and Instagram to pay tribute to the legend.
Thanks for the memories champ #lleytonhewitt
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) January 21, 2016
Leyton Hewitt– you gave it your "all" every match– and always showed the "grind"- the "grit"- and the "passion"… Congratulations!!!!!
— Jimmy Connors (@JimmyConnors) January 21, 2016
To a man who always brought his hard hat to work without excuses…CHEERS to this next step in your wonderful journey @lleytonhewitt!!
— Andre Agassi (@AndreAgassi) January 21, 2016
Will always remember the battles fondly ….. Best competitor I ever played against. Drove me crazy haha https://t.co/ykp441zGwb
— andyroddick (@andyroddick) January 21, 2016
Memorable carrera de uno de los más grandes de la historia del tenis!Enhorabuena @lleytonhewitt pic.twitter.com/r2bZFbDWtx
— Juan Carlos Ferrero (@juankiferri) January 21, 2016
Admiración hacia Hewitt,ni una lagrima ha soltado el tío #crack https://t.co/CZ8zmiV9ek
— Carlos Moya (@Charlymoya) January 21, 2016
A great friend and tour-mate, one of my greatest idols as well. Thank you, Lleyton!! pic.twitter.com/2qgabGA2Ut
— Juan M. del Potro (@delpotrojuan) January 21, 2016
The Australian Open says bye champion. Your legacy will withstand the test of time. #rusty #inspiration #thankyou https://t.co/3SPCt4PYvg
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 21, 2016
Was a pleasure to watch & play with @lleytonhewitt but as 1 door closes another opens with new opportunities.
— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) January 21, 2016
Leyton LEGEND ! One of my idols #HewBeauty pic.twitter.com/uG15ZqcbYf
— Juan Monaco (@picomonaco) January 21, 2016