Classic Hewitt keeps Aussies alive
Lleyton Hewitt has used his familiar spirit to come back from two sets to one down against Janko Tipsarevic to win in five and level the Davis Cup tie with Serbia at one rubber apiece.
Peter Luczak was no match for world number three Novak Djokovic in the first rubber, with the US Open finallist winning 6-1 6-4 6-2.
Hewitt took the first set against Tipsarevic 6-2, before the rampant Belgrade crowd lifted the world number 53 to win the next two sets 6-3, 6-4.
The Australian, who has now won 14 of his last 16 matches to go into a fifth set, crushed the home crowd and Tipsarevic 6-1, 6-1 to save Australia from a dire 2-love deficit.
“I’ve lost to him before so I knew it was going to be a tough match,” Hewitt said.
“But I think fitness was the big key. He’s not the fittest guy on tour. I feel very strong out there and I’m very fit.”
Hewitt, who was on court for three hours and 28 minutes, will back up tomorrow with Paul Hanley for the doubles against Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic.
Sunday will begin with the epic clash between Hewitt and Djokovic.
The winner of the tie will remain in the elite 16 team world group, while the loser drops to the second tier.
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