Woodbridge wants to bring peace between Hewitt and Tomic

Yahoo!7 October 20, 2009, 9:42 am
Lleyton Hewitt of Australia reacts to a point against Gael Monfils of France during their second round match at the ATP Shanghai Masters tennis tournament on October 14, 2009. Hewitt was leading 6-4 as play continues.

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Australia's Davis Cup coach and former doubles champion Todd Woodbridge wants to clear the ill-feeling that is thought to exist between Lleyton Hewitt and Bernard Tomic.

Hewitt, a two-time grand slam winner and Australia's highest ranked male tennis player, is reportedly angry with the lack of respect shown to him by young up-and-comer Bernard Tomic.

The feud reached boiling point at Wimbledon earlier this year when Tomic refused to practice with Hewitt.

Woodbridge says it's important for the 16-year-old to open up lines of communication with the 28-year-old.

"In this sport, you've got to respect your opponents and you've got to respect your peers," Woodbridge told Fairfax.

"The key to it is that both individuals have to get together and talk it out; thrash it out between our former world No.1 and our current world No.1 junior, and not through third parties like parents or agents.

"It's more Bernard's journey that I'm worried about. I'm worried about developing him as a player and as a person... He doesn't want this, and obviously Lleyton doesn't want it, so we want both of them to be able to represent their country in Davis Cup and that means communication."

Woodbridge had yet to tell Lleyton Hewitt his intentions but the Sydney Morning Herald reported Tomic was interested in a meeting.

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18 Comments

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  1. LukeM 06:03pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    Lleyton who?

  2. eire8233 05:11pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    Hewitt (the would be McEnroe of Australia) is past his 'use by date'. But unlike McEnroe, his opinions don't really matter anymore.

  3. david 02:31pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    Hewitt, does anyone like this pig in Australia. Who cares about what he thinks??

  4. Russell 02:03pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    Woodbridge says - 'I'm worried about developing him as a player and as a person... ' If Bernard doesn't like Hewitt, then he must have his head screwed on right ! Go Bernard !

  5. Russell 02:00pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    So what if he doesn't want to practice with him ? Hewitt remains an arrogent p*ick ! Go Bernard !

  6. your friend 01:47pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    I tend to agree with most of the comments on here about Hewitt, especially John and Jane. I would like to add a related comment on this though. One of the biggest factors in any sport is the "home town or home ground advantage". Hewitt may have been able to get a lot more support h ...

  7. Honey 12:52pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    Dear precious little Lleyton needs to look carefully at his behaviour history as a player and an example to young players. Respect has to be earned. In the eyes of many, players and payers, this is something he has been unable to do. He was a good player but a yob at the same time. There are much be ...

  8. Jane 12:35pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    So does any one really care if Bernard does not want to practice with Hewitt. Hewitt has always had a bad and a demanding and unsportsman like attitude. I am sure Bernard will find many nicer partners to practice with.

  9. ColinM 12:17pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    Bit like the 'pot calling the kettle black' Woody. In the domain of smug prima donnas, TW had no peer; just ask Mark Woodford.

  10. John 12:01pm Tuesday 20th October 2009 EST Report Abuse

    I THINK SOMEONE SHOULD TELL HEWITT THAT RESPECT HAS TO BE EARNED YOU CAN'T JUST DEMAND IT.HE HAS A VERY SHORT MEMORY AS FAR AS BEHAVIUOR GOES JJ

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