FORMER world number one Lleyton Hewitt rolled back the years to capture a double victory on day one of the AEGON Championships at the Queen’s Club.
The 2002 Wimbledon champion destroyed Argentina’s Eduardo Schwank 6-1, 6-0 before returning to court to team up with British No.1 Andy Murray to overcome American duo Andy Roddick and Rajeev Ram.
Hewitt is unseeded at Queen’s, despite creeping back into the world’s top 50, having ended 2008 at 67th, following hip surgery.
But the Australian showed glimpses of his former self at the French Open, where he reached the third round before he was dumped out by Rafael Nadal, and after a thrilling day at Queen’s, Hewitt insists there is plenty left in the tank.
“It’s a really good way to get my grass-court season up and running,” he said. “You never really know how you’ll adjust coming off the clay so that makes today extra special.
“What really pleased me today was how well I returned the ball. In the singles, Eduardo didn’t serve badly at all but I made him hit a lot of balls which is a good sign.
“The courts here are fantastic, arguably the best in the world. There’s very little to choose between here and Wimbledon.”
Meanwhile, British No.4 Mel South has targeted the world’s top 50 after coming through an epic three-set clash with compatriot Katie O’Brien at the AEGON Classic in Edgbaston.
South, a quarter-finalist at Edgbaston last year, won 6-4, 1-6. 7-6 (5) against the British number three to set-up a second round match with number one seed Jie Zheng.
South is joined in the second round by Naomi Cavaday after the British number six knocked out American Julie Ditty 6-2 7-6.
■ Leading life assurance and pensions company AEGON is lead partner of British Tennis and is backing the sport at all levels, from grass roots to world class tennis events.
For tickets and further information visit www.lta.org.uk
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