Lets put things into perspective a bit with regards to the Hewitt loss. Yea Hewitt beat him bad but losing to Hewitt peaking isn't "horrible" or anything. Sampras also got done going through Peaking Agassi (Who just destroyed Fed), Safin (defending champ), Rafter (2 time USO champ). Thats one of the more difficult draws in history for a player. Thats four legit players all in a row. No shame in not getting through that draw especially at 30 years old.
Hewitt was a dynamo from 2001-2003. Its still better than losing to Robredo or Berdych etc.
Hell to just play Agassi alone at the level was playing that year, is a a complete nightmare. Nevermind having to play Hewitt, Rafter, Safin as well. Agassi in 2001 at the USO would have at everyone's lunch at the USO. He would have even beat prime/peak Federer at the USO, Hell Fed was lucky to get through Agassi in 2004/2005 at the USO when Agassi's level was far inferior to his 2001 Level. 2001 Agassi would have beat any level of Fed you want to put out on the court at the USO IMO
So when people talk about the Beatdown Hewitt gave Pete. Look at it further as to why.