Hewitt back in Top 20.

[Turning Pro]

Lleyton Hewitt smashes back into top 20

October 26, 2009 - 7:19PM
Lleyton Hewitt has broken back into the world's top 20 for the first time in almost 18 months after this week's ATP rankings were released on Monday.

The former world No.1 was ranked No.20, as high as he's been since May last year when he was No.19.

The South Australian has registered one tournament win this year in a minor claycourt event in Houston and earlier this month made the semi-finals in Japan while also making the quarter-finals at Wimbledon where he lost to eventual finalist Andy Roddick.

With no points to defend until the New Year after a hip injury ruled him out from August 2008 to the start of the Australian hardcourt season in January, the former US Open and Wimbledon winner has been able to push up his ranking after falling outside the top 100 for the first time in his career.

Roger Federer retains the top ranking ahead of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

http://www.watoday.com.au/breaking-...t-smashes-back-into-top-20-20091026-hgsu.html

I predict a good 2010 providing he can remain injury free with a top 10 year end finish and possibly a masters place. The AO 10 he can gain ranking points and do some damage with a good seeding since he lost to Gonzalez in a tight 5 setter last year in the 1st round.

 

[grafselesfan]

I am not sure if he can get back in the top 10 or not. I could see him getting into the top 15 next year maybe. He has still lost a bit of speed and other factors with age.

 

[Breaker]

He has basically nothing to defend from now until Roland Garros next year - the exception being his Houston title which is only 250 points anyway. Good draws at the Aussie Open and Indian Wells/Miami should see him into the top 15 with ease and with a few more good results possibly even top 10.

 

[GraniteHoosier]

He may crack the top 10 if he has a good run at the Aussie Open, otherwise I see him peaking somewhere around 15. Not sure how long he'll be able to stay there though, he has started to have some knee trouble at the end of this year and he'll be 29 years old next year. Hopefully he'll hang around long enough for me to find another favorite player when he retires ; I haven't figured that out yet.

 

[norbac]

Aussie, Aussie Aussie!

 

[tennis_hand]

does he still have game to beat the top 10? i don't think so.

 

[Blinkism]

Lleyton's winning Wimbledon next year so no worries, he'll be in the top 10



How I wish that would be true

Come on Rusty!!!

 

[lawrence]

does he still have game to beat the top 10? i don't think so.

He just beat Delpo at Wimbledon this year and gave Roddick some trouble.
His USO run would've been a bit longer too had he not run into Federer

 

[Elina]

Well done Lleyton!

 

[TheFifthSet]

Yipee . . .

 

[Turning Pro]

He just beat Delpo at Wimbledon this year and gave Roddick some trouble.
His USO run would've been a bit longer too had he not run into Federer

Yeah he gave fed some trouble even though his knee looked messed up at the US Open. It could have gone either way at Wimby with Roddick, Hewitt didn't look 100% physically after hip surgery (some may not even recover but it takes at least 12 months after career threatenng surgery before regaining everything back).

Also he lost a tight 3rd set tie break in the us open series to Del Potro after beating him at Wimby, who then went to to become US Open Champ. He beat Soderling etc through the hard court swing so it looks pretty good to me, providing he stays injury free regardless of draws.

 

[zagor]

Great news,I'd really like to see old veteran make it to top 10 again even if for a short while.If he stays healthy I think he has a shot at doing that.