Mesh Tennis

A POST-MATCH confrontation between Lleyton Hewitt and Roger Rasheed is believed to have effectively ended one of the closest partnerships in Australian tennis.

Rasheed is known to be distressed by aspects of Hewitt’s behaviour, including verbal barbs directed at him and other support staff, during Hewitt’s upset loss to Russian Igor Kunitsyn on Thursday night. Hewitt lost 6-4 6-7 (4-7) 4-6, after leading 3-1 in the second set.
A frustrated Hewitt made several comments which were clearly audible to spectators sitting near Rasheed, Hewitt’s wife, Bec, and the couple’s manager, Justin Cohen.

It is believed Rasheed and Hewitt had a brief, heated exchange about his behaviour in a deserted locker room at Memorial Drive after the match.

Rasheed sought counsel from several trusted allies yesterday before driving to Hewitt’s West Lakes home.

There, following a brief conversation, Rasheed tendered his resignation.

Hewitt is believed to have been stunned by Rasheed’s decision to walk after almost four years in the job. The Wimbledon and US Open winner has often raved about Rasheed’s dedication, loyalty and friendship.

Rasheed has been no less warm about Hewitt. Rasheed would not confirm reports last night that his resignation had been prompted by sledging from Hewitt, one of the world’s fiercest competitors.

But he is known to have raised the matter with Hewitt in the off-season, stressing the need for a clear mind in the heat of battle.

“Today I have given Lleyton Hewitt written notice of termination of my contractual arrangements with him,” Rasheed said in a statement.

“This is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but one I felt I had no choice but to make.

“Within the current environment, I don’t believe it is possible for us to get the results we are looking for.

“The timing is not ideal, but I feel that it is in both of our best interests that this decision not be delayed.”

Rasheed’s resignation leaves Hewitt without a mentor for the Australian Open, but there was immediate speculation last night that former Davis Cup coach Wally Masur would be a candidate — if he is available. Herald Sun

This entry was posted on Friday, January 5th, 2007 at 2:22 pm and is filed under Pro Tour. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.