In a surprising turn of events, former world No. 1 tennis player Lleyton Hewitt revealed that he seriously considered switching from tennis to Australian Rules Football (AFL) in 2003. The two-time Grand Slam champion discussed this potential career change during a recent interview, shedding light on a pivotal moment in his sporting journey.
At the time, Hewitt had already achieved significant success in tennis, including victories at the US Open and Wimbledon in 2001 and 2002. However, after an early exit in the 2003 Wimbledon tournament, where he lost in the first round and subsequently relinquished his No. 1 ranking, he found himself contemplating his future.
Consideration of AFL
Hewitt’s childhood passion for AFL was deeply rooted, as both his father and uncle had notable football careers. Growing up in Adelaide, he was an avid supporter of the sport, particularly after the Adelaide Crows joined the AFL in 1991. The allure of a return to his first sporting love was further amplified when Mark Williams, the coach of Port Adelaide and a family friend, approached him about the possibility of joining the team.
Although it was Williams who initially suggested the switch, Hewitt acknowledged that he too had considered the idea. “That was in my blood, that’s what I wanted to do as a young kid,” he recalled. Williams mentioned in a previous conversation that Hewitt had reached out to him about the potential transition, hinting at the possibility of playing a pre-season match and being listed as a rookie.
A Defining Moment
Ultimately, it was an extraordinary performance in the 2003 Davis Cup semi-final against Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer that solidified Hewitt’s commitment to tennis. In a thrilling match, he rallied from two sets down to secure victory, a moment he described as one of his greatest achievements. This victory played a crucial role in steering him away from the idea of switching sports.
“It was one of my greatest victories and I called Choco (Williams) and said ‘no’.”
Reflecting on his decision, Hewitt expressed gratitude for the support of his family, who had encouraged him to pursue a career in tennis despite the challenges. The choice was indeed a “bloody tough” one, but it ultimately led him to a storied career within the sport.
Recently, Hewitt was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, joining six other distinguished athletes. This recognition underscores his lasting impact on Australian sports, both on and off the court.
As he looks back on that pivotal moment in 2003, it is clear that Lleyton Hewitt’s decision to remain in tennis not only shaped his career but also established him as one of Australia’s most celebrated sports figures.
