Hewitt No Longer A Star

     At age 20, Australian tennis player Lleyton Hewitt was the youngest male ever to be ranked number one in the world. That was twelve years ago. Now, the 32-year old native of Adelaide, South Australia, currently ranked 70th, is beginning to reveal his aging limitations.
     Though he once owned his sport, his reign among the big dogs is coming to a screeching halt. There was a time when Hewitt dominated his opposition, and especially his rivals. He once held a win-loss record of 7-2 against arch rival and current star Roger Federer, and led Andy Roddick 6 games to 1 in their first seven head to head matches. However, father time has gotten the best of Hewitt, as have many tennis professionals. Federer has now won 16 of his last 17 against Hewitt, and American Andy Roddick
took six of the last seven against the Australian.
    His fans hoped 2013 would serve him well, but those hopes have been destroyed to some extent. In Hewitt's first tournament of the year he lost in Brisbane in straight sets to Denis Istomin, a 26-year old Russian unknown by most casual sports fans. In late May, he was once again ousted by Gilles Simon in the first round of this year's French Open. Wimbledon, Hewitt presumed, would finally be his opportunity to turn it around.
    Hewitt surprised his doubters by showing up big in round one of the prestigious tournament. He put on a spirited performance flashing signs of his old self defeating Stanislas Warinka of Switzerland in straight sets. This match, which was very encouraging to the prideful sports fans of Australia, was a teaser. Round 2 of Wimbledon would go differently.
    Hewitt fell to journeyman Dustin Brown in five sets. While he put on a respectable performance nearly going the distance against a younger, more versatile competitor, in the end, it was not enough. Hewitt is widely regarded as a defensive counter-puncher who prefers to stay back near the baseline during a rally. This style of play hurt him at times against Brown, who has a massive serve, ample athleticism, and an unpredictable style of play. Hewitt said Brown's craftiness and style of play was tough to block out, and he admitted to losing his way during the match.
     The up-and-coming Brown humbled Hewitt and his fans. While flashes of his past were occasionally put on display, Hewitt no longer possesses the ability to dominate tennis consistently. His prime is far behind him. He is still a good player, but can no longer be labeled great, or elite. Unfortunately for his fans, we have already seen Hewitt at his best.