Hewitt Only Seed Remaining in ATP Sydney Semis

Posted on January 13, 2005

Top-seeded Lleyton Hewitt’s path to the Sydney title became all the clearer Thursday as the three other seeded players were dismissed in quarterfinal play.

Hewitt defeated No. 7 seed and former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson in straight sets, while upsets were performed by Belarusian Max “The Beast” Mirnyi (d. (8) Dent who retired in the first set with illness), Czech Radek Stepanek (d. (5) Feliciano “F-Lo” Lopez), and another Czech in the unheralded Ivo Minar (d. (4) Pavel, coming from a set down).

"I really enjoy the stadium here," said Hewitt, trying to explain his 18 consecutive wins in Sydney. "I think it's a great centre court. It's a great atmosphere. I don't know if I can pinpoint one thing, though, that really sticks out, but I really enjoy coming back and playing this tournament every year."

Friday’s semifinals line up as (1) Hewitt vs. The Beast (Mirnyi leads career meetings 2-1), and an all Czech-mate in Minar vs. Stepanek (first meeting).

"It's never an easy match against Max," Hewitt said. "He's an awkward opponent. I've got to return well, pass well, move well, try to make him play a lot of balls out there."

The injury/illness parade continued in the Sydney doubles draw, with Tomas Berdych retiring with illness, and Leander Paes out with a foot injury.