Lleyton Hewitt: The hatred is dying
February 2nd 2011 09:54
From public enemy number one to astute commentator
I hate Channel 7. But you knew that already. I think it is the shittest broadcaster in the world, at least Fox News in the States knows it is shit and go to great lengths to prove how abominable it is in its to appeal to the trash of lower class America. Seven believe it is reputable and unfortunately, most of the brainless population in this country tune into its crap.
But I was once trained as an objective journalism, where balance is the number one virtue so despite my wrath for objectivity and departure from that style, I feel somewhat obligated to give credit where credit is due.
Despite its broadcasting flop at the recent Australian Open, 7 made an inspired decision and invited Lleyton Hewitt as guest commentator.
Hewitt was promoted to the hot seat after his first round flop doused any prospect of a revival as his 30th birthday approaches.
Look, I’ve never liked him. My dislike started when he beat Andre Agassi to win Adelaide as a 16-year-old.
Every c’mon and fist pump exaggerated the hate. Throughout the naughties I supported Roger Federer……. and anyone who played Hewitt. I could breathe easier once the little brat was knocked out. I know it is not very patriotic to barrack against your compatriot, but I never felt attached to him.
And the sad truth is, neither did the majority of Australians.
He should have been one of the country’s most beloved athletes, our only consistently successful tennis player for the past decade. His career resume was outstanding during the first half of last decade. Consistently a top 10 player, number one player for an 18-month period before the rise of Federer and dual Grand Slam winner. Outstanding. His game displayed all the hallmarks of a champion and his fighting spirit was unparalleled.
Australians love grit and courage under fire, which is why Steve Waugh is the most popular sportsman in modern memory.
Hewitt should have been beloved by an adoring sports public, who hold any remotely successful sporting star on a pedestal.
But he wasn’t. Why? Because he is a cashed up bogan (minus the tats), sore loser and married to a washed up soap star combined to form a trashier Australian version of Posh and Becks.
In the aftermath of his breakup with Kim Clisjters, the Aussie public sided with the Belgian star and even today still feel a stronger affinity with Aussie Kim than Bogan Lleyton
But my hate has simmered since he has flatlined during the past few years and his career has faded into irrelevancy.
As his career winds down, Hewitt may have a surprising shift into retirement via the commentary booth. Who would have thought one of Australian’s most bogan athletes with limited brain cells, transforming into an astute and respected analyst of the game? Amazing. I could never have predicted that.
Sure a stint as a commentator for former great athletes is inevitable. But it doesn’t always translate into success. For every McEnroe, there is a Hingis.
I loved the Swiss Miss on the court. She will forever be my favourite women’s tennis player. Her first retirement extinguished my interest in the female game. I didn’t care for the female brutes. Hingis had an abundance of grace and style on the court, equipped with an unmatched IQ.
But behind the microphone she was downright embarrassing. I know English isn’t her mother tongue but she could barely muster a coherent sentence. She appeared to possess no analytical capabilities, which was unbelievable considering she was one of the smartest ever players. Hingis appeared not to understand commentating cues – when to talk, when to let your fellow commentator have a say, fake laugh at their crummy jokes, etc. Not surprisingly she hasn’t returned to the role.
In contrast, Hewitt has slipped into the role like an old pro. He was insightful, providing a revealing glimpse of modern day play, concise, displayed a healthy dose of humour and unbelievably was self-effacing. The Couriers and the McEnroes are part of a bygone era and don’t possess the intimate knowledge of the modern game. That’s why we need Hewitt.
This should be Hewitt’s swansong as a player. He is no longer a Grand Slam threat or a top 20 player. He should retire at season’s end to save his own hide from the inevitable thrashings from Federer, Rafa, Djokovic, et al.
But a long, potentially legendary broadcasting career awaits. Imagine if Hewitt becomes a fixture of Australian tennis broadcasting rivalling Fred Stolle and John Newcombe. Entirely possible. And unlike Hewitt the player, I hope Hewitt the commentator is a winner.
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