Why do people trash Hewitt so much?

[NatF]

Yeah, 99 he was never going to do much probably yet, even if he took out Becker, but 2000 and 2001 he should have done way better and could have been a real contender, maybe even for the title both years.

I think his reputation would be a bit better today too if he had a few more good Wimbledons, especialy if he got a 2nd title somewhere. There is even a very outside shot of that coming in 2004 since he played a bad game serving for the 4th set vs Federer. OK he probably still loses to Federer, and even if he beats him there is a good chance he loses to Roddick in the final, but was atleast a chance that year. 2005 no chance of beating Federer, and 2009 he was definitely not beating Roddick, Murray, Federer all in a row at that stage of his career, even if he won that amazing Roddick match.

I think he overplayed in 2001, played back to back tournaments beforehand. But yeah it's a shame, he was one of the best players in grass at the time and it would have added to his legacy to have a couple of deep runs then.

He beat Del Potro in 2009 as well so it was a really heavy draw, just making the final would have been like a third slam lol - 4th maybe if you look at his AO 05 draw

 

[fezer]

Becker was 31, old and well past his best but Hewitt was only 18 as well...

I just mentioned that this defeat was missing in the op.

 

[fezer]

Yeah and on grass, if both are well from their best, the experienced player has the edge. No surface requires experience more than grass. I don't see anyone saying Graf sucks since a 30 year old Navratilova destroyed her in the Wimbledon final in one of her best and most dominant years, but I think was only her 3rd tournament ever on grass.

I don‘t think Becker was More experienced when he won it in 85...

 

[Fabresque]

He was annoying, but also massive respect to the work ethic (something current Aussie tennis players lack), the determination, and courage. One of the biggest fighters back in the day, great backhand.

As a coach, no respect whatsoever. He’s ruined many Australian’s careers with his constant flip-flopping between players and just not really being the type to improve on a certain players weakness. Need a cheerleader? Call him up. Need a coach? Dan Cahill’s a better alternative by a mile.