When Lleyton Hewitt faced off against Marcos Bhagdatis in third-round Australian Open play, many fans hoped for a replay of the five-hour epic Hewitt and Baghdatis played at the 2008 Australia Open. Sadly, this year’s match was a polar opposite.
After losing to Bhagdatis in an ATP tournament in Sydney last week, Hewitt came out fired up and ready. Baghdatis apparently hadn’t yet recovered from his five-set battle against David Ferrer two days prior, he seemed stiff and leaden.
Lleyton Hewitt took only 21 minutes to win the first set in straight games. Hewitt showed great mobility and a hard, precise backhand, while Baghdatis looked stiff and tired. Baghdatis managed only five points in the first six games.
Baghdatis kept rubbing his right shoulder between points; plainly he was in some discomfort. Compared to Hewitt, who was humming with energy, Baghdatis looked like he wanted the match to be over.
After losing to Bhagdatis in an ATP tournament in Sydney last week, Hewitt came out fired up and ready. Baghdatis apparently hadn’t yet recovered from his five-set battle against David Ferrer two days prior, he seemed stiff and leaden.
Lleyton Hewitt took only 21 minutes to win the first set in straight games. Hewitt showed great mobility and a hard, precise backhand, while Baghdatis looked stiff and tired. Baghdatis managed only five points in the first six games.
Baghdatis kept rubbing his right shoulder between points; plainly he was in some discomfort. Compared to Hewitt, who was humming with energy, Baghdatis looked like he wanted the match to be over.
