Hewitt Passes Norman Test

Back to list >

Top seed Lleyton Hewitt survived his second three-set battle in as many days after fighting off the challenge of Belgian Dick Norman to reach the quarterfinals of the Stella Artois Championships.

Hewitt, seeking a record fourth consecutive title at The Queen's Club, took just over two hours to record a 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-4 victory over the 6'8" Norman.

The 22-year-old world No. 1 saved 11 of the 12 break points he faced during the match but only created two break point chances of his own - the second of which came on match point.

"It was obviously a different kind of match out there [from the second round against Sluiter]," said Hewitt. "It was a bit of a frustrating match as well. He gave me no rhythm. He served as well as I've probably ever seen anyone serve. I don't think anyone at Wimbledon will serve much bigger than that. It helps when it's coming down from 6'8."

Hewitt, who served 10 aces to his opponent's 21, also had a "perfect" game of four in a row to take a 2-1 lead in the opening set.

"That wasn't bad," said Hewitt. "I don't get that too often. I felt like I was serving well today."

But Norman, who knocked Stefan Edberg out of Wimbledon in1995, quickly found his rhythm on the grass courts to force a tie-break. Although the Australian took it 7-5 with some trademark passing shots, the towering Belgian got the first break of the match to lead 4-2 in the second set before taking the match into a decider.

Pressure

Hewitt, who came under pressure in his opening match against Raemon Sluiter on Wednesday, was having to draw on all of his resources to fend off the challenge from Norman, who had six break points at 4-4. But the Australian came out with the big shots when he needed them most - including a second serve ace on the third break point which drew a familiar call of "come on" from Hewitt.

"On the break points, I was trying to pick the right serve that would help set up the point for me," said Hewitt. "I felt a lot better today than I did yesterday. It's always going to be like that in the first match on grass, finding your footing."

Adapt

Norman, who had faced just one break point throughout the match, suddenly found himself 15-40 down and a backhand into the net by the left-hander sealed Hewitt's passage to the quarterfinals, where he will meet No. 6 seed Sebastien Grosjean.

"Sebastien is obviously playing well," said Hewitt. "It's not his favourite surface but he's a class player that can adapt his game on all surfaces."

Earlier in the day, Grosjean had little trouble overcoming Australian qualifier Todd Reid to reach the quarterfinals, coming through 6-1, 6-4, while No. 8 seed Xavier Malisse ensured Belgium still had representation following Norman's exit with a 7-6(4), 7-5 victory over Marc Rosset.

Back to list >