Hewitt loses mentor

By LEO SCHLINK

26dec00

LLEYTON Hewitt, the world No. 7, will temporarily interrupt his highly successful partnership with coach Darren Cahill next season. Cahill, 35, will stand down from the international circuit in February to be with his wife Victoria for the birth of their first child. Cahill will resume in April to help Hewitt prepare for the European claycourt season, allowing fellow South Australian Peter Smith to briefly reunite with his protege. An obvious target for every unemployed coach in the world, Hewitt would be one of the most sought-after commodities in the game if he became available. But his loyalty to Cahill and those coaches who helped shape his frenetic game is such that there is no opening - other than for Smith. The veteran South Australian coach who, along with Kevin Swanson, Roger Tyzzer and Cahill, helped put the polish on Hewitt, will travel with the teenager to the United States in February. Cahill confirmed Smith, who helped John Fitzgerald develop from a country hopeful to world-class performer, would travel with Hewitt to San Jose, Scottsdale and Indian Wells. "Peter will be looking after Lleyton," said Cahill, who will continue to work with Hewitt after the arrival of the baby. "Lleyton's comfortable with Peter and that's important because it's a busy part of the season in the lead up to Key Biscayne (the Ericsson Open)." Cahill has worked full-time with Hewitt for two years, having first hit with the 19-year-old seven years ago. The pair has developed a wonderful rapport over the past two years, with unobtrusive Cahill quietly directing Hewitt away from the trouble spots which threaten all young players on the tour. Hewitt credits fellow US Open semi-finalist Cahill for simplifying the transition from wide-eyed newcomer to one of the sport's established stars. Hewitt will decide this week whether he will defend his AAPT Championships singles title in Adelaide next week.