Hewitt vs Mahut preview
May 27th 2008 09:39
Hewitt needs to perform well to beat energetic Mahut
BACKGROUND
A hip injury has kept Hewitt out of the game since April and almost forced him to withdraw from the French Open. He dropped only one game in the last match he played - a second round Davis Cup tie against Thailand. “It should be all right even if I’m also thinking about Wimbledon,” says the former world number one. Hewitt, who is now being coached by Tony Roche, has dropped to No26 in the rankings but hopes to get his season back on track in Paris. He reached the fourth round here last year before going out to Rafael Nadal.
As a Frenchman, Roland Garros provides a great opportunity for Mahut to showcase his game. However, the man from Angers has yet to win a match in six attempts. Six first round defeats which can be explained by Mahut’s serve and volley game which is not particularly well suited to clay. It will be a shock if he manages to upset Hewitt.
CURRENT FORM
It is difficult to judge Hewitt’s current form as he is just back from injury. He appears to have fully recovered, however, his lack of match practice could prove a factor. Mahut comes into the tournament in full fitness but with just one win from four clay-court tournaments - against the 412-ranked Italian, Fabbiani – there is little to be excited about.
STRENGTH
At his peak, Hewitt was famed for his mental toughness and solidity on the baseline. He has lost some of his regularity from the back of the court but his fighting spirit and desire to win are as strong as ever. Mahut has the perfect game… for grass. A big server with a great return, he’s also one of the best volleyers on the tour but his backhand is a bit too weak to withstand long rallies from the baseline.
TACTICS
The outcome of the match depends on Hewitt’s fitness. If he’s at 100%, the match should be his for the taking but the longer it lasts, the more his lack of recent match-play will work against him. Mahut has no choice. If he wants to finally win a match at Roland Garros he has to take risks and make sure that he gets a maximum of first serves in. The crowd should be on behind him.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Hewitt won their only previous encounter 6-3 6-4 in Sydney earlier this year.
PREDICTION
This match has the potential to be a best of five set encounter with Mahut's French status set to give him the edge in support and adrenaline. Hewitt though will not back down from a challenge and looks to have the more complete game to counter the Frenchmen. In saying that, do not be surprised If Mahut produces the game of his life to beat Hewitt in three sets.
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