The moment of truth gradually approaches for Lleyton Hewitt at the Australian Open. In what may well be one of his last serious attempts to win the title, the 28-year-old Aussie plays a second-round match against Donald Young, a 20-year-old American who used to be his country’s brightest hope.
Young’s aspirations never materialised. The son of tennis teaching pros, he became the youngest male to win a junior Grand Slam title when he captured the Australian championship in 2005. He won Junior Wimbledon in 2007 and much else in the world of junior tennis.
The left-hander, in a cap always jauntily askew, was clearly the best kid of his era. Promoters fussed over him, and the American media pronounced him the “next big thing” in tennis.
Then, suddenly, his game stopped developing. Despite natural talent, he won few matches at senior level, and rose no higher than 73 in the rankings. Today, he is ranked 195 and had to battle through qualifying..
Young’s experience is a reminder to Bernard Tomic and other promising youngsters that the best-laid plans can go astray. Hewitt, meanwhile, notes that Young beat Belgium’s much-respected, 59th-ranked Christophe Rochus in the first round, and will proceed with caution.
Trengove’s Fearless Forecasts
Federer (1) v Hanescu
In six attempts, Hanescu has never passed Round 2, but his form at the Hopman Cup was surprisingly good until he got hurt. Federer in four.
Djokovic (3) v Chiudinelli
The Swiss No. 3 (behind you-know-who and Wawrinka) has yet to win a title. The 28-year-old should be a handful for the 2008 champ. Djokovic in four.
Davydenko (6) Marchenko
Davydenko has made the quarters three times and is in the best form of his life. Davydenko in straight.
Hewitt (22) v Young
It will take a very good player to stop Hewitt, and Young doesn’t fit the bill. Hewitt in straight.
S. Williams (1) v Kvitova
Like most of the European players, the Czech lefty has a powerful serve and an equally strong forehand. So has Serena – as well as much else. Williams in straight.
V. Williams (6) v Bammer
Austria’s Sybille Bammer isn’t as famous as Kim Clijsters, though she too has a daughter, an eight-year-old named Tina. Motherhood hasn’t hurt Bammer’s tennis, but she can’t match the American’s weapons. Venus in three.
Stosur (13) v Barrois
Stosur survived her first-round nerves, and now should make the most of her good draw by beating this 28-year-old German, who is ranked No. 81. Stosur in three.
Ivanovic (20) v Dulko
Two of the top 10 women with movie-star looks. Dulko, an Argentine, beat Sharapova at Wimbledon, and aims to treat the Serbian glamour girl likewise. Ivanovic in three.
Alan Trengove has covered more than 130 Grand Slam tournaments dating back to 1953, and is the author of numerous tennis books.
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