Lleyton Hewitt on why Rod Laver Arena is special
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Lleyton Hewitt has competed in the men's singles at the Australian Open 20 times, with an additional eight doubles appearances. The competition has become a homecoming for the adopted Melburnian, and the magic moments aren't over yet with Hewitt returning to play doubles this year.
Lleyton's Melbourne residency has seen a lot of changes at Australia's home of tennis. Rod Laver Arena was called Centre Court — having been renamed from the not-quite-as-catchy National Tennis Centre in 1996 — when he stepped up to play his first open at just 15 years old. The appearance made him the youngest qualifier in the history of the event.
Lleyton cites the support of the Open staff as a huge factor in his enjoyment of the tournament, saying "It makes such a difference to have that comfort at your fingertips."
"I know a lot of players love coming here," he continues. "But once you get inside the Open you can see why it is so beloved."
This year marks his 22nd year of competition in the tournament with a break in 2017. It will be Lleyton's ninth time in a doubles partnership, with the Aussie superstar looking to go even better than last year's quarter-final.
