GUTSY HEWITT GETS A FRIGHT FROM HANTSCHK

Nyree Epplett

Thursday, June 1, 2000

Ninth-seeded Lleyton Hewitt survived a frightful second round encounter against German Markus Hantschk on Thursday, winning 2-6 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-3 in three hours and 25 minutes. The gutsy young Australian, who before today had never won a five set match, registered a stirring performance out on court two Thursday afternoon, recovering from a two-sets-to-one deficit to overcame the gritty claycourt specialist. 19-year-old Hewitt moved up a level in the deciding fifth set, slamming a blistering forehand passing shot down the line to break Hantschk's serve and with it, his spirit. The Australian held serve easily to take the match, pumping both fists in the air in what has become a trademark Hewitt celebratory gesture. A semi finalist in Rome two weeks ago, Hewitt's dominating claycourt game has evolved to a point where the ninth seed is now in a position to cause a few headaches in the top half of the Roland Garros draw over the next week, provided he maintains his sometimes volatile composure under pressure. The shock second round exit of defending champion and top seed Andre Agassi earlier today presents Hewitt with the enviable opportunity of reaching his first ever Grand Slam semi final. The Aussie is destined to meet seventh seeded Thomas Enqvist in the fourth round, who he beat two weeks in Rome. Agassi was looming as Hewitt's quarter final opponent. For the time being, Hungary's Attila Savolt will occupy Hewitt's attention in the next round.