Lleyton Hewitt Announces He’ll Likely Retire After The 2016 Australian Open

by Tom Gainey | January 29th, 2015, 8:23 am
  • 10 Comments

Former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt ended speculation by announcing that he will hang up the racquets for good after the 2016 Australian Open. After which Hewitt will assume the role of Davis Cup captain, replacing interim coach Wally Masur who will step in immediately after Pat Rafter announced he will dedicate more time toward player development.

“I’ve thought long and hard,” Hewitt said Thursday. “I plan to play the Aussie Open next year and most likely finish then. Obviously for me the Davis Cup is something we’ve worked extremely hard to put ourselves in a position in the World Group where we have a genuine shot. I believe with the guys now we have a lot more options, a lot more depth.

“Personally I’ll be looking towards the grass court season and most likely finishing here in Melbourne, which for me would obviously be special to play 20 Australian Opens.”

Hewitt added that he’ll play on because he feels his body is in great shape. But, he said, most likely he would not play at the French Open.

Hewitt and the Australians will play the Czech Republic in March.

The 33-year-old Hewitt is a 2-time Grand Slam champion and reached the finals at the 2005 Australian Open.


You Might Like:
Hewitt Overcomes Federer Spell, Wins Halle Title
Lucky To Be Walking, Lleyton Hewitt Confident Of Playing The Australian Open
Ana Ivanovic Announces Her Retirement From Pro Tennis
Did Lleyton Hewitt Just Play His Last Match At The Australian Open?
Hewitt, Roanic Withdraw from US Open

Don't miss any tennis action, stay connected with Tennis-X

Get the FREE TX daily newsletter

10 Comments for Lleyton Hewitt Announces He’ll Likely Retire After The 2016 Australian Open

Ashleigh Says:

Outside of Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt is my favorite! I love his grit & heart so much… I was sad when Kim Cljisters & Lindsay Davenport retired, and I will be so sad when Lleyton gangs it up… Hopefully he’ll do some announcing & still be on the tennis scene, besides just Davis Cup… Love him!!!


Ashleigh Says:

Oops! HANGS it up, not “gangs” it up…


Patson Says:

@Ashleigh

You still have a good one year to enjoy watching him play. But he used the word “likely” which gives me the impression that, depending on his results in the next one year or so, he might actually delay his retirement for maybe a year. We have the Olympics next year. So, Lleyton fans should keep their fingers crossed. The guy may play a wee bit longer than he’s saying.


Sienna Says:

He was ready to become the next ruler of tennis. After 2 slams and #1 he looked to dominate for a few years and set himself between the tennis alltime elites.

What happened was that he got TMFed.


brando Says:

He’s had a excellent career. Maximized it to the fullest.


TennisVagabond.com Says:

I agree with Sienna. Roddick, Hewitt, Safin, Haass, Kuerten a very powerful roster at that time, but injuries took Haass and Kuerten out, Fed demolished Roddick and Hewitt, and Safin was in between.

Remember what young whippersnapper Hewitt did to “old” Sampras at USO . Then Fed did that to Hewitt just a few years later at Wimbledon.

TMF: Slayer of a Generation!


Hippy Chick Says:

He has a gorgeous wife,and 2/3 beautiful children,and enough money that hes set for life,hes won a couple of GS in his career,and plenty of other titles,so if hes decided that the lifestyle is no longer for him,he can enjoy his life now and whatever lies ahead in peace,Roger is different in that he lives for tennis and the lifestyle,however not everybody is the same,best of luck Leyton in your life away from tennis and whatever it brings,you were always one of the veterans of the game that i enjoyed watching….


Hippy Chick Says:

Just read that he has taken a W/C for Queens,and this will be the last season on grass….


sienna Says:

didnot perform nicely in breakup with Kim C.
but she showed him how to deal with thematters of the heart.
Then again Clijsters was made a champion through gens.

Top story: Sinner Leads Italy Past Australia For Their Second Davis Cup Title