The Apia International Sydney is a big tour event in its own right but holds even more weight given it’s the final warm-up event before the first slam of the year. It always attracts a high-profile draw, and 2017 will be no exception including the likes of Dominic Thiem, Fernando Verdasco, the ever entertaining Fabio Fognini and finally Viktor Troicki who will be aiming to defend the title for the 3rd year running.
Despite this appetizing draw, it lacks Australian representation which is undoubtedly a shame given the Australian tennis fans. We see committed Australian tennis fans around the world, but on home soil, it’s even better, and it’s fair to say a magic ingredient will be missing if they don’t have a homegrown hero to route for in their iconic style.
The Legends Tour
Fortunately, The Legends Tour will prove to be Australian’s saving grace in Sydney this year with a mouth-watering fixture in place. None other than Leyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis are set to take to the court on finals day for an exclusive FAST4, all Aussie affair.
Both players triumphed over each other back on the ATP Tour and with their contrasting styles it looks set to be an entertaining match up that will know doubt get the Aussie crowd roaring and all set for their national slam in Melbourne.
Hewitt
Lleyton is excited to get out in front of the home fans again. Although he was never able to add The Australian Open title to his mantle, the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney is somewhere he experienced much success over the years:
“Sydney has always been a special place for me. To be able to win those four titles at home, in a major city, leading into the Australian Open was an incredible experience. To get my first Davis Cup tie win this year as captain as well was made all the more special being at Ken Rosewall Arena. It’s an arena and a court that I’ve had great success on so I can’t wait to get back out there and play.
Mark and I have played a lot together over the years, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Philippoussis
The head to head on from the ATP Tour is currently 3-1 in favor of Hewitt and Mark is still more than aware of the threat Hewitt poses with his never-die on court attitude:
“I’m looking forward to coming back to Sydney. The Legends tour is a lot of fun, but I know I’m going to have my work cut out for me with Lleyton…We played some great matches during our careers, and he’s an incredibly tough competitor. The Sydney crowd was fantastic this year, though, and it’s a great atmosphere at Ken Rosewall Arena, I’m sure it will be an exciting match.”
A key factor in the match is likely to be the Philippoussis serve, it’s always been a big weapon and dubbed him the nickname ‘Scud’ on the pro tour. Have a look what happened to Andy Roddick in his first Power Share Series match:
Good luck Lleyton, overcome the serve and then hopefully you can treat the crowd to a few famous ‘Come ons!’
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| STILL A HUGE PRESENCE |
