Brisbane International Tennis

Match Report - Brisbane International 31/12/2013

Lleyton Hewitt vs Thanasi Kokkinakis

So here we are at Pat Rafter Arena in the suburb of Tennyson.  It’s New Year’s Eve and a pleasant 25 degrees here in Brissie with a gentle breeze along the Brisbane River keeping the humidity bearable. 

 

 Tonight sees 32 year old Australian Lleyton Hewitt (ranked 60) take on his 17 year old compatriot qualifier Thanasis Kokkinakis (ranked 628).  The Arena is almost full (it is New Year’s after all) with the crowd enjoying two Aussies battling it out, but it’s clear from the moment the players enter the court that Hewitt is the favourite.   It should be an easy match for former world number one Hewitt and a good way to start his Brisbane International campaign. 

Both players have break points early in the first set.  Hewitt looks fast and moves around the court easily, obviously not hampered by injury, a great sign leading up to the Australian Open.  Kokkinakis has a big serve (highest speed 203km this match), but at only 17 lacks the experience of Hewitt to have the whole package.  Hewitt wins the 4^th game easily.  Kokkinakis trying to overpower his opponent with a strong forehand, but he’s lacking the accuracy and hitting a lot of unforced errors.  The 6^th game finally brings a trademark C’Mon from Hewitt and the crowd finally starts to get involved with the fanatics leading an Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi cheer.  That feels awkward given there are two Aussies playing.  Hewitt starts the 7^th game with a classy lob over Kokkinakis to validate his experience and skill and goes on to break after Kokkinakis double faults.  4-3 to Hewitt.  Hewitt easily holds serve to lead 5-3.  Another 2 break points for Hewitt on Kokkinakis’ serve, which the young Aussie saves with his big serve.  Deuce.  Kokkinakis seems to tighten up and the experienced Hewitt takes the first set 6-4.

 

 

 Hewitt wins the opening game of the 2^nd set easily, glancing over at his player’s box for encouragement and acknowledgement that he’s got this match wrapped up.  Kokkinakis holds serve easily too.  He’s got nothing to lose now.   Hewitt is under pressure in the 3^rd game, and while his wide kicking 2^nd serve is effective, Kokkinakis is able to break Hewitt to go up 2-1.  A strong forehand winner down the line from Kokkinakis and he holds serve to love, and now leads 5-3.  C’Mon Hewitt what are you doing??!!  Hewitt holds serve 40-15 to trail 4-5.  Will Kokkinakis be able to serve out this 2^nd set?  Some great rallies between the 2 Aussies in this 10^th game, Kokkinakis heavily reliant on powerful groundstrokes, and Hewitt using his leg speed and ball spin.  Hewitt breaks.  5 all.  Hewitt to serve.  He comes into the net to hit a strong winner and holds 40-0.  6-5 to Hewitt.  It’s all on the line now for Kokkinakis.  Showing his lack of experience, he tightens on serve again, just like at the end of the first set.  It’s 15-40, 2 match points to Hewitt.  The crowd not sure who to barrack for.  Hewitt’s shot is long.  Still 1 match point.  Kokkinakis serves a fault.  2^nd serve.  Less speed, Hewitt pounces on it and hits a winner.  Game, Set, Match Hewitt 6-3, 7-5.

So the veteran Aussie wins as expected, but not without a good challenge from Kokkinakis, who looks to be a promising talent for Australian tennis.  Hewitt now plays Spanish sixth seed Feliciano Lopez in the second round.

 

If you've got some spare time over the next 4 days get out to Tennyson and see some great tennis. 

 

LB