Stich Says Hewitt is Ready for Fifth Crown

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With the 2007 Artois Championships ready to get underway, former winner Michael Stich is picking Lleyton Hewitt to come through a tough field and claim a record fifth title at The Queen’s Club.

Speaking to the latest Artois Tennis Podcast, Stich, the 1993 champion, said: “It’s a very strong field again. Andy Roddick will be looking forward to the grass, putting the clay season behind him, Rafael Nadal has improved on [the surface], Lleyton Hewitt is always a big contender and he loves it there, and Novak Djokovic, is one of the young guys.

“But I would pick Hewitt to win. He plays smart, he’s won Wimbledon and won Queen’s four times. The courts are hard, which suits his game, the ball doesn’t bounce too high. Mentally he’s very strong and very fit and this year he’s picked it up again.”

Stich, who reached No. 2 in the world back in November 1993, also believes the current World No. 2 Nadal can adapt his game and make the transition from clay to grass.

“The game of tennis is not serve and volley anymore on grass,” said Stich. “Nadal is very eager to learn and improve his game. I think he will be coming to the net more this year. Last year he came close to winning Wimbledon, mentally he’s very strong and all those things go in his favour.”

Click here to listen to the full interview on Episode 9 of the Artois Tennis Podcast.