ATLANTA, Georgia: Lleyton Hewitt is back in his comfort zone this week as third seed at the ATP Atlanta Tennis Championships, with six weeks of hard court tennis to go before the US Open. “I’m quite comfortable on the hard courts,” said the former number one. “I don’t think it’s too early to start. I’ll take next week and one more off before the Open (which begins August 30).
The 29-year-old Australian is seeded behind Americans Andy Roddick and John Isner. Atlanta returned to the ATP calendar this season after a nine-year absence in the wake of a financial deal with the bankrupt Indianapolis event.
The Australian, now based with his family just a flight away in the Bahamas, is keen to put the confidence he gained from a title victory on grass last month in Halle, Germany – where he beat Roger Federer – to work during the gruelling cement season.
“Winning Halle gave me a lot of confidence, especially after beating Roger on grass in a final,” said the Aussie. “The top players like him all tend to play their best at the business end of a tournament.”
Number 30 Hewitt’s last match was the Wimbledon fourth round, where he lost to Novak Djokovic.
“But it’s once again business as usual,” he wrote. “I’ve been training in the heat for the last week and preparing for the American swing towards the US Open.”
Hewitt is planning a full Grand Slam buildup, with his August schedule comprising tournaments in Washington, Toronto, and Cincinnati and then a week off prior to the Open. “I’m hoping for a good run, I’ve got a lot of matches under my belt right now.”
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