Hewitt hopes to end losing streak to Federer

Published>Sun, Jan 24 10 08:19 PM

Melbourne, Jan 24 (DPA) After 14 consecutive losses to the man he admits is possibly the best to ever wield a racket, Lleyton Hewitt has just one strategy heading into his Monday fourth-round encounter with Roger Federer at the Australian Open.

'Win three sets before he does. That's what I'll be trying to do,' said the Australian who won his last meeting with the Swiss world number one seven long years ago in a Davis Cup semi-final at the Rod Laver arena.

Hewitt at least will have had his rest after playing for just 54 minutes in the third round before opponent Marcos Baghdatis retired with a shoulder injury.

'It's just a blessing that I didn't finish really late and have to bounce back from a tough five set match,' said Australia's 2005 finalist who won a set against the Swiss during a loss in their last meeting at the US Open four months ago.

'It's hard enough playing him when you're fresh.'

For Team Hewitt, nothing must change in the run-up to the showcase match. 'I'll do all the same preparation that I've been doing. Everything is going according to plan so far.

'He doesn't lose too many matches, especially big matches, and especially Grand Slams. You just got to look at his record last year in Grand Slams.

'It takes a great performance to beat him. That's why he's been the greatest player possibly ever, because he keeps putting himself in a position to keep winning Grand Slams.'

Federer is motoring again so far in Melbourne in search of his fourth title after losing the final a year ago to Rafael Nadal.

'It's an interesting draw again. There's no easy ways to a final or to a victory here. So you definitely gotta probably beat some of the best players in the world,' he said after a crushing victory over Alberto Montanes.

Hewitt, who booked Grand Slam titles nearly a decade ago at Wimbledon and the US Open, remains optimistic of upsetting the formbook if he can have a good day.

'You're gonna have to be ready for a challenge. You play for those moments, to play against the best players - and Roger is that.

'This is what motivates you. If you can't get up for these matches, you shouldn't be playing the game.'

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