Lleyton Hewitt will be the youngest man to finish the year at no.1 after defeating fellow Australian Patrick Rafter in the Masters Cup.Hewitt started the year with ambitious goals for a 20 year old, to make the top 5 in the world and make a Grand Slam semi-final.No one doubted his ability but most, including Hewitt, tought he was still a few years away from achieving his aims, but as the season ends there is no doubt he will remain no.1.
Not only did the Australian claim his first Grand Slam title by winning the US Open but also became the youngest man in history to finish the year ranked number one in the world.Hewitt overtook Brazilian Gustavo Keurten to reach no.1 in the rankings at the age of 20 years and 8 months.The youngest player prior to Hewitt to finish the season was American Jimmy Connors.
Hewitt has been earmarked for greatness since he qualified for the 1997 Australian Open at the age of 15 years.Hewitt began to make upward moves in the seedings in 2000 capturing 4 titles and reaching the US Open semi-finals, but made his mark this year when he beat Pete Sampras in the US Open final.
This ’’Mosquito’’ has a great future and will surely bite many players in the future