Former Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt is one of the finest tennis stars from Australia. The former world number 1 is the most recent man from the country to win Grand Slam titles. He won the 2001 US Open and the Wimbledon Championships in 2002. He has won 30 ATP singles titles and three doubles titles and remains one of the best tennis players from Australia. Recently, the 41-year-old was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
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Wishes poured in from all over the world. Former tennis star Martina Navratilova took to her Twitter account to praise Hewitt’s coach Tony Roche, who traveled a long way to attend the special day for his pupil.
Here’s what she said.
Martina Navratilova lauds Hewitt’s coach
Martina Navratilova herself is an esteemed member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She was particularly in awe of Hewitt’s coach, Tony Roche, for his dedication to his student. The old man traveled a long way to attend the ceremony.
Bravo Tony- impressed but not surprised:) https://t.co/eUyN3AEiOp
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) July 17, 2022
“Bravo Tony- impressed but not surprised,” she wrote.
Tennis Australia also congratulated Hewitt on his achievement. Here’s the tweet from their official account.
A legendary day for an Australian legend🇦🇺
Congratulations on your induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, @lleytonhewitt.
📷 Andrew Eichenholz/ATPWorldTour.com pic.twitter.com/JZB8d26iN7
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) July 17, 2022
“A legendary day for an Australian legend Congratulations on your induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, @lleytonhewitt”
Here’s what Hewitt said in his speech
Speaking after receiving the honor, the 41-year-old was quick to thank his coach.
“I wouldn’t be receiving this honor today if it wasn’t for this bloke, Roche, mate. It means so much to me that you made the effort to make the long trip over here. From Australia to be here with me today. I have been so fortunate to have you as a coach, mentor, and more importantly, to be able to call you a mate. Thanks, Roache,” he said.
Recognizing friends, family, coaches, colleagues and Newport.@lleytonhewitt's induction speech was one to remember. 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/d8BkX8DA1H
— Tennis Hall of Fame (@TennisHalloFame) July 17, 2022
Further, he thanked his wife and kids for their support.
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“I wanna thank my beautiful wife and our three gorgeous kids. I am so fortunate to have you.” Later, he spoke about the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Also, the Aussie claimed he never thought about it growing up.
“It was never something I ever thought about as a player, and it was always, I thought, for the people that were my idols growing up and the absolute legends of the sport.”
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Watch this story: ‘Seems to Get Injured a Lot’ – Martina Navratilova Once Used Serena Williams’ Example to Talk About the ‘Fragmented’ Nature of Women’s Tennis.
Hewitt was humble and thankful to everyone who helped him on his journey to tennis. The Aussie is a true legend and deserved it thoroughly.