Even after successful two grand slam titles, Lleyton Hewitt’s first sporting love tempted the tennis nice to make a shocking profession change.
Hewitt has spoken about what occurred in 2003 when he was “truly contemplating” an try to play AFL
Whereas Port Adelaide coach and household buddy Mark Williams in the end couldn’t lure him from tennis, the thought gave Hewitt pause for thought.
A well-known Davis Cup win over Roger Federer that 12 months satisfied Hewitt to remain put. On Monday night time, he was certainly one of seven inductees into the Sport Australia Corridor Of Fame.
Hewitt was born into Australian Guidelines. His father and uncle had stable soccer careers and when Adelaide joined the AFL in 1991, he was an enormous fan.
“That was in my blood, that is what I wished to do as a younger child,” Hewitt mentioned.
However he additionally confirmed main tennis potential as a youngster. His mother and father satisfied him to make the “bloody powerful” choice to deal with the worldwide sport.
By 2003, he had been world primary, in addition to successful the US Open and Wimbledon in 2001-02.
Lleyton Hewitt says his win over Roger Federer at Melbourne Park within the Davis Cup modified his thoughts about switching to soccer. (Getty Pictures: Mark Dadswell)
After his ’03 Wimbledon title defence didn’t make it previous the primary spherical, and he misplaced the primary rating, Hewitt contemplated what may come subsequent.
Williams mentioned a couple of years in the past that Hewitt contacted him about probably switching sports activities, however the tennis star says the Energy coach made the strategy.
There was speak of Hewitt enjoying a pre-season sport and probably becoming a member of Port as a rookie-listed participant.
Stream Finish Sport with Tony Armstrong on ABC iview
No matter who was driving the thought, finally it fizzled and Hewitt, a eager Adelaide supporter, didn’t have to contemplate becoming a member of the Crows’ fierce native rivals.
“I grew up completely hating the Energy, the Port Adelaide Magpies,” he mentioned.
“However on the time, I used to be truly contemplating it.
“I did not love the contract and the cash.
“He [Williams] ended up giving me a couple of weeks to consider it.”
The clincher was Hewitt rallying from two units all the way down to beat Swiss nice Federer in an epic ’03 Davis Cup semi-final. There could be no defection.
“It was certainly one of my biggest victories and I referred to as Choco [Williams] and mentioned ‘no,”‘Hewitt mentioned.
AAP
