Hewitt's Best Wimbledon Run: 2002, 2004, or 2005?

[Devin]

Which one of Hewitt's Wimbledon runs was the best?

I haven't watched much of 2002, but I know Nalbandian didn't play well in the final. So, I decided to hunt around for the Henman match. Henman played better than Nalbandian. It wasn't spectacular stuff, but Henman was able to raise his level and play well during certain periods of the match.

Hewitt didn't have as much power back then, but he was faster.

In 2004, he got to the QF only to lose against Federer. Serving could've been better, but other than that, he was unlucky to run into someone that would play some of his best grass tennis that day (could be a top 10 grass match based on sets 1 and 3). He did well to take advantage of Federer's dip in level during the second set tiebreak.

In 2005, he yet again ran into Federer playing one of his best grass matches. IMO, he was more consistent in 2005 (2004 had higher highs but lower lows). Hewitt was serving better in 2005, but the ground game was a bit better overall in 2004 IIRC. Federer was a bit more consistent too, although his first serve % in the 1st set was below par (only 37%), but he was able to kick that up in the next two sets.

So which one was the best of them all? Discuss.

 

[King No1e]

2002 easily since he won it

 

[Red Rick]

Roddick's best USO run? 2003 or 2005?

 

[Raining hopes]

2002 easily since he won it

I might be completely wrong but didn't he return every 2nd serve till QF?

 

[Ferss111]

2009 is underrated as well. I think he played some really good tennis and arguably should have won that 1/4 final against Roddick. But a few mistakes in the fifth set cost him the match.

 

[King No1e]

I might be completely wrong but didn't he return every 2nd serve till QF?

You're right. He paved the way for Nadal and Djokovic to win with their baseline games

 

[Ferss111]

2002 easily since he won it

It doesn't mean it was his best ever game that year. Federer won AO in 2018, but he clearly played better in AO 2005 which he lost.

 

[NatF]

For level of play ;

2002 ~ 2004 > 2005

2004 was arguably the best of the lot, Moya played well in the 4R and I do think he would have closed out Schalken in 4 sets max if they met in 2004.

 

[King No1e]

It doesn't mean it was his best ever game that year. Federer won AO in 2018, but he clearly played better in AO 2005 which he lost.

Hewitt didn't lose a set outside of the Schalken match

 

[Mainad]

2002 of course. You can't beat going all the way and winning the title!

 

[hothanded]

I think in playing level 2004 is atleast on par with 2002. 2005 a bit below the other two but still very good. I am fairly certain he beats Roddick in the final and wins the event this year if Federer wasnt there or lost early.

I dont think the 2004 Hewitt is down match point to Schalken (or was it break point for Schalken to be serving for the match, either way), and 2004 Hewitt served to go to a 5th set vs peak Federer in the quarters. Nothing against Hewitt but his 2002 was insanely easy, he probably wins the event that year anyway, but a badly off form Henman who is struggling bigtime on the then new slowed down grass and made the semis by some miracle and opponents choking (and who Hewitt owns anyway), and then pre prime Nalbandian on by far his worst surface in the final. And of course Schalken of all people in the quarters being his only test of the event.

 

[True Fanerer]

2002 easily since he won it

2002 of course. You can't beat going all the way and winning the title!

/thread

 

[Jonas78]

I might be completely wrong but didn't he return every 2nd serve till QF?

He won 35% of the return games on grass in 2002. 35% first serve points, 60% second. Has there ever been any higher on grass?

 

[NatF]

I think in playing level 2004 is atleast on par with 2002. 2005 a bit below the other two but still very good. I am fairly certain he beats Roddick in the final and wins the event this year if Federer wasnt there or lost early.

I dont think the 2004 Hewitt is down match point to Schalken (or was it break point for Schalken to be serving for the match, either way), and 2004 Hewitt served to go to a 5th set vs peak Federer in the quarters. Nothing against Hewitt but his 2002 was insanely easy, he probably wins the event that year anyway, but a badly off form Henman who is struggling bigtime on the then new slowed down grass and made the semis by some miracle and opponents choking (and who Hewitt owns anyway), and then pre prime Nalbandian on by far his worst surface in the final. And of course Schalken of all people in the quarters being his only test of the event.

Hewitt's draw in 2002 was soft but I do think Schalken played well overall, Henman played decently IMO he was just up against his worst match up and forced to try and execute at the top of his abilities.

Hewitt in 2004 was probably better though, Moya actually played damn well and Hewitt shut him down in 4. In 2005 he was a bit up and down after his injury in the spring.

 

[MichaelNadal]

I like Hewitt, but ewwww.

 

[NatF]

I like Hewitt, but ewwww.

Your posts these days are ewwwww.

 

[MichaelNadal]

Your posts these days are ewwwww.

Of course they are to you the thing that brought us close ended in March, im sorry Federer got worked out all early and isnt playing soon -.- don't come for me boo Hewitt wasnt all that, and again I always liked him, but lets keep it real.

 

[NatF]

Of course they are to you the thing that brought us close ended in March, im sorry Federer got worked out all early and isnt playing soon -.- don't come for me boo Hewitt wasnt all that, and again I always liked him, but lets keep it real.

Nothing to do with Federer man, you're just unpleasantly cocky and disparaging these days

And don't speak so soon, movie is dropping by the end of the year

 

[MichaelNadal]

Nothing to do with Federer man, you're just unpleasantly cocky and disparaging these days

And don't speak so soon, movie is dropping by the end of the year

Ive been the same way for 11 years bro. The only thing different about me lately is Christ. You know we like 2 different players but ur still my bro I like to get on here and have fun, that will never change.

So ready for the movie

 

[Mustard]

You can make the case that Hewitt played his best tennis in 2004 and 2005 rather than 2001 and 2002, as peak Federer was around in 2004-2005 and Hewitt only lost to the eventual winners of the majors. However, 2002 is obviously Hewitt's best Wimbledon run. The only sets he dropped were to Schalken in the quarter finals, and he was truly brilliant in beating Henman in straight sets in the semi finals.

Regarding the Hewitt vs. Schalken match at 2002 Wimbledon, that's something of a forgotten epic. The first set was routine for Hewitt in winning it 6-2. In the second set, Hewitt went a break down at 1-2, but then won 5 games in a row to take the set 6-2. In the third set, Hewitt seemed on top in the rallies, there were no breaks of serve despite twice being 0-40 on Schalken's serve, and Hewitt went 0/11 on break points in that third set (4 of those being match points with Schalken serving at 5-6 in the third set), and Schalken won the tiebreak. Early in the fourth set, Hewitt had another 0-40 on Schalken's serve and again Schalken held. In the third and fourth sets combined, Hewitt was 0/15 on break points, and Schalken then hit his best form to win the fourth set 6-1.

Schalken was twice a break up in the fifth set at 2-1 and 3-2, but Hewitt broke back straight away both times. Schalken had break points when Hewitt was serving at 4-4 and 5-5, but Hewitt held on to hold both times. Hewitt then broke Schalken's serve to win 6-2, 6-2, 6-7, 1-6, 7-5, something like nearly 2 hours after he first had a match point in the third set.

 

[MichaelNadal]

You can make the case that Hewitt played his best tennis in 2004 and 2005 rather than 2001 and 2002, as peak Federer was around in 2004-2005 and Hewitt only lost to the eventual winners of the majors. However, 2002 is obviously Hewitt's best Wimbledon run. The only sets he dropped were to Schalken in the quarter finals, and he was truly brilliant in beating Henman in straight sets in the semi finals.

Regarding the Hewitt vs. Schalken match at 2002 Wimbledon, that's something of a forgotten epic. The first set was routine for Hewitt in winning it 6-2. In the second set, Hewitt went a break down at 1-2, but then won 5 games in a row to take the set 6-2. In the third set, Hewitt seemed on top in the rallies, there were no breaks of serve despite twice being 0-40 on Schalken's serve, and Hewitt went 0/11 on break points in that third set (4 of those being match points with Schalken serving at 5-6 in the third set), and Schalken won the tiebreak. Early in the fourth set, Hewitt had another 0-40 on Schalken's serve and again Schalken held. In the third and fourth sets combined, Hewitt was 0/15 on break points, and Schalken then hit his best form to win the fourth set 6-1.

Schalken was twice a break up in the fifth set at 2-1 and 3-2, but Hewitt broke back straight away both times. Schalken had break points when Hewitt was serving at 4-4 and 5-5, but Hewitt held on to hold both times. Hewitt then broke Schalken's serve to win 6-2, 6-2, 6-7, 1-6, 7-5, something like nearly 2 hours after he first had a match point in the third set.

Hows Mustard these days? Thoughts on the USO?

 

[Mustard]

Hows Mustard these days? Thoughts on the USO?

I'm okay, mostly

The US Open is wide open, hard to predict a winner. Ah, sod it, I'll go for Nadal. He did it last year when so many people ruled him out, so why not again?

 

[hothanded]

Hewitt's draw in 2002 was soft but I do think Schalken played well overall, Henman played decently IMO he was just up against his worst match up and forced to try and execute at the top of his abilities.

Hewitt in 2004 was probably better though, Moya actually played damn well and Hewitt shut him down in 4. In 2005 he was a bit up and down after his injury in the spring.

I actually did not get to see the Hewitt-Henman semi but I saw his 3 previous matches at Wimbledon and he was AWFUL. Kratchotvil (I dont remember his exact name, a Swiss baseliner) in the 4th round 100% should have beaten him and choked badly at the end. Remember this was the first year of the new rye grass, and it was a massive change for an underpowered style serve-volley player who badly needed the faster grass.

Beating Moya is actually impressive since Moya is a bit of a career nemisis for Hewitt.

 

[Druss]

2002 easily since he won it

IiRC Nalbandian was favourite to win it in the final. Not sure exactly what happened there to Nalby, who IMO was the more talented player. Never bothered to watch the match again, so i can't remember exactly what happened to the Argentine. Perhaps someone blessed with better memory can enlighten me?

Back to OP: I'd say 2004 or 2005 Hewitt was actually a bit better. He was just unlucky to run into the Grass GOAT. Without Fed in the picture I could see Rusty losing a 5 setter to A-Rod in the 2004 final and possibly even winning it in 2005.

 

[NatF]

I actually did not get to see the Hewitt-Henman semi but I saw his 3 previous matches at Wimbledon and he was AWFUL. Kratchotvil (I dont remember his exact name, a Swiss baseliner) in the 4th round 100% should have beaten him and choked badly at the end. Remember this was the first year of the new rye grass, and it was a massive change for an underpowered style serve-volley player who badly needed the faster grass.

Beating Moya is actually impressive since Moya is a bit of a career nemisis for Hewitt.

I think Henman was better versus Hewitt, made a few more UE's than I'd expect of a top form Henman but I also put that down to Hewitt's passing and lobs being ON during that match.

And yeah Moya had been on a nice run against Hewitt.

 

[abmk]

IiRC Nalbandian was favourite to win it in the final. Not sure exactly what happened there to Nalby, who IMO was the more talented player. Never bothered to watch the match again, so i can't remember exactly what happened to the Argentine. Perhaps someone blessed with better memory can enlighten me?

Back to OP: I'd say 2004 or 2005 Hewitt was actually a bit better. He was just unlucky to run into the Grass GOAT. Without Fed in the picture I could see Rusty losing a 5 setter to A-Rod in the 2004 final and possibly even winning it in 2005.

Nalbandian was not even remotely close to being favorite in the final. Hewitt was massively favored.

Hewitt was the better grass court player, world #1 at that time.
Nalby got into the final with his half breaking down (still struggled considerably to get into the final). The final came a bit too early for Nalby. He only hit his stride in 2003.

Nalbandian played a pretty crappy final. Hewitt was very good. Hence the lopsided result.

--------------


Overwhelming favourite to become the first Australian champion here since Pat Cash in 1987, Lleyton Hewitt lived up to his billing with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 defeat of the Argentine debutant David Nalbandian in an hour and 56 minutes to reassert his supremacy in the men's game in the climactic act of a championship that's witnessed the fall of a glittering array of superstars and legends.

https://www.thehindu.com/2002/07/08/stories/2002070805711900.htm

 

[MichaelNadal]

I'm okay, mostly

The US Open is wide open, hard to predict a winner. Ah, sod it, I'll go for Nadal. He did it last year when so many people ruled him out, so why not again?

Def his second best slam, still feels weird saying that it will take a bad draw for him to lose early there..... not easy to get 3 sets from him

 

[Mustard]

IiRC Nalbandian was favourite to win it in the final.

No, emphatically no. Hewitt was world number 1 and was overwhelming favourite to win the 2002 Wimbledon final. Hewitt had under-performed at Wimbledon in previous years, but had a lot of grass-court success for a 21-year-old, having won Queen's Club 3 years in a row and won in Rosmalen in 2001. Nalbandian was a surprising Wimbledon finalist (number 28 seed), and had actually reached the final without playing a single match on centre court. As abmk said above, Nalbandian didn't seriously hit his stride until 2003, but he was a nemesis for Federer in the juniors and in their first 5 matches on the ATP World Tour. Federer mostly turned it around after that, starting with the 2003 Tennis Masters Cup in Houston.

 

[mike danny]

I see Hewitt winning Wimb in 2005 with no Federer in his way. Roddick didn't play a great final. Roddick wins 2004 Wimb though, IMO, against anyone left in the draw.

 

[buscemi]

I see Hewitt winning Wimb in 2005 with no Federer in his way. Roddick didn't play a great final. Roddick wins 2004 Wimb though, IMO, against anyone left in the draw.

He would have had a tough time against González in the SF. Fernando hadn't lost a set coming into the QF, played as well against Federer as Hewitt did in the SF (7-5, 6-2, 7-6 vs. 6-3, 6-4, 7-6), and had a 5-2 record against Hewitt (2-0 at Majors).

 

[abmk]

He would have had a tough time against González in the SF. Fernando hadn't lost a set coming into the QF, played as well against Federer as Hewitt did in the SF (7-5, 6-2, 7-6 vs. 6-3, 6-4, 7-6), and had a 5-2 record against Hewitt (2-0 at Majors).

At the time of Wimbledon 2005, their h2h was 2-2, with Hewitt winning both their HC matches and Gonzalez winning both their CC matches. (no surprise considering Gonzalez was the better CCEr)

2001-02 and 2004-05 Hewitt was an entirely different guy compared to what he was from 2006 onwards. Their matches from 2006 onwards are not relevant here tbh.

 

[buscemi]

At the time of Wimbledon 2005, their h2h was 2-2, with Hewitt winning both their HC matches and Gonzalez winning both their CC matches. (no surprise considering Gonzalez was the better CCEr)

2001-02 and 2004-05 Hewitt was an entirely different guy compared to what he was from 2006 onwards. Their matches from 2006 onwards are not relevant here tbh.

And, in those 2 matches Hewitt won against Gonzalez, Gonzo was ranked #39 and #25.

 

[abmk]

And, in those 2 matches Hewitt won against Gonzalez, Gonzo was ranked #39 and #25.

Gonzalez was ranked #24 just before start of Wim 05.

 

[buscemi]

Gonzalez was ranked #24 just before start of Wim 05.

True, but 2005 was a breakthrough year for Gonzo, and he finished year-end #11 vs. #18 and #23 in the years when he lost to Hewitt. I don't think anyone doubts that Gonzo was a better player in 2005 than he was in 2002 or 2004.

 

[NatF]

He would have had a tough time against González in the SF. Fernando hadn't lost a set coming into the QF, played as well against Federer as Hewitt did in the SF (7-5, 6-2, 7-6 vs. 6-3, 6-4, 7-6), and had a 5-2 record against Hewitt (2-0 at Majors).

Hewitt would have taken him on grass - and HC for that matter.

 

[mike danny]

True, but 2005 was a breakthrough year for Gonzo, and he finished year-end #11 vs. #18 and #23 in the years when he lost to Hewitt. I don't think anyone doubts that Gonzo was a better player in 2005 than he was in 2002 or 2004.

Just like Hewitt was a better player in 2004 and 2005 than in the years Gonzo beat him in majors.

 

[buscemi]

Just like Hewitt was a better player in 2004 and 2005 than in the years Gonzo beat him in majors.

Agreed.

 

[mike danny]

Agreed.

For now that match remains a hypothetical that will never be solved.

 

[buscemi]

For now that match remains a hypothetical that will never be solved.

Also agreed. And I never said that Gonzo would have beaten Hewitt in a hypothetical 2005 Wimbledon SF matchup. I just said that Hewitt would have had a tough time against him. Lleyton would have definitely been the favorite.

 

[Druss]

No, emphatically no. Hewitt was world number 1 and was overwhelming favourite to win the 2002 Wimbledon final. Hewitt had under-performed at Wimbledon in previous years, but had a lot of grass-court success for a 21-year-old, having won Queen's Club 3 years in a row and won in Rosmalen in 2001. Nalbandian was a surprising Wimbledon finalist (number 28 seed), and had actually reached the final without playing a single match on centre court. As abmk said above, Nalbandian didn't seriously hit his stride until 2003, but he was a nemesis for Federer in the juniors and in their first 5 matches on the ATP World Tour. Federer mostly turned it around after that, starting with the 2003 Tennis Masters Cup in Houston.

Yeah now that you mention it. I must have confused 2002 Nalby with 2003. My bad.