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Saturday, September 1, 2012

US Open 2012: Ferrer Versus Hewitt - Preview

Lleyton Hewitt takes on David Ferrer in the third round on Sunday, the 2nd September. Ferrer is the fourth seed and Hewitt is playing on a wild card. They have been on the circuit for a decade together, yet have met only twice. Ferrer was victorious on the clay of Roland Garros in 2008 while Hewitt won on the grass of Wimbledon in 2006. Hewitt had a five setter in the second round when he took out Gilles Muller. Ferrer has enjoyed straight sets victory in the two rounds played so far.

When Hewitt reached the top of the rankings and won his first Grand Slam major in 2001 at US Open, Ferrer was an unknown name. When Ferrer became a known force, Hewitt had gone down the rankings, especially after the hip injury in 2008 and a few more injuries subsequently. They both play the same type of game, grinding points through rallies. Both are equally tenacious with a never-say-die spirit. Serve power is of the bygone era, not much more than the serve power of the top players on the WTA tour today. However, Ferrer keeps a high percentage of first serves in to compensate for the lack of serve power. Hewitt sent only 42% of first serves in against Muller, which he is bound to improve against Ferrer. Both have equally good return of serve. Ground strokes are of similar type, without too much top spin and mostly landing deep in the court.  Ferrer has improved his forehand significantly. Forays to the net are only when they are certain of closing the point, with Hewitt being more proficient at volleying. Hewitt employs underspin more than Ferrer and can vary his game to a greater extent.

While Hewitt is a street fighter, Ferrer is a road runner. Ferrer will be able to get fully behind his ground strokes and that would mean better precision and power. His court position will be immaculate and given lack of devastating power on Hewitt’s ground strokes, the latter would be doing most of the chasing. With a suspect fitness and a long five setter in the previous round, it might prove too much for Hewitt. He has already proved a point by taking out two higher ranked players and losing to the fourth seed will be no disgrace.  

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