The Sweet Spot

Perhaps Lleyton Hewitt does have something left in the tank after all. Maybe at 28, he can still produce many more obnoxious “come ons”, glares and fist pumps.

That’s certainly the view among Australian tennis’ hardcore supporters, the Fanatics who have flocked to his games singing many a John Farnham number.

“We’re not gonna live in silence” the Fanatics shout. “We’re not gonna live in fear”. 

My guess is surrounding spectators wish they would stay silent, but most likely fear the consequences.

In truth, it’s been an impressive Wimbledon display so far from the former world number one.

Hewitt’s passage to the round of 16 was his sixth consecutive appearance in the fourth round. The fact he managed to avoid dropping a single set and claimed the scalp of fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro on the way speaks volumes of his current patch of form.

So is it time for the Hewitt camp to bring out the Strawberries and Cream at SW19?

Well no. Not just yet.

Yes. He is the last Australian standing in the singles draw following Samantha Stosur’s third round elimination at the hands of Ana Ivanovic.

Yes. He is playing some of his best tennis ever at the All England Club. 

However should he get past Czech Radek Stepanek, the two Andys await. Roddick and Murray.

One of them, a two-time finalist from Nebraska who despite possessing the world’s fastest serve, has never won the event.

The other, a Scot who faces the enormous weight of expectation to end Great Britain’s 73 year wait for a local singles champion.

And then of course there’s Roger Federer. In the absence of last year’s winner Rafael Nadal through injury, it’s a fair bet the Fed Express will secure an unprecedented 15th Grand Slam.

So will it rain on Hewitt’s parade?

Well, if the previous week is anything to go by, the forecast is sunny and clear.

That’s what tends to happen when you invest over 100 million dollars in a new roof just in case there’s a downpour.