Out to Pasture Players Chew Up Grass

Not often a player loses the first two sets and then only drops five games the remainder of the match. That's exactly what Lleyton Hewitt did, however, in coming back to defeat #23 Radek Stepanek 4-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2. It's Hewitt's first grand slam quarterfinal since the 2006 US Open, where he lost to Andy Roddick, also his opponent in the quarterfinal on Tuesday. Roddick defeated Hewitt two weeks ago at Queen's Club in straight sets, so it's a tough draw to be certain. Even if his run ends in the quarters, it's been a dream tournament for the 2002 Wimbledon Champion. Only Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have dropped fewer sets thus far.

Even more surprising than Hewitt's run in my mind is the success of wild card Juan Carlos Ferrero. I was initially confused by the AELTC's decision to give the then #103-ranked Ferrero a wild card; he had made only one quarterfinal in his last twenty grand slam events, and he's not British. But the 2003 French Open champion's subsequent semifinal run at Queen's Club and his quarterfinal run here have proven their faith deserved. Just like Hewitt, Ferrero too faces his Queen's Club conqueror in the quarterfinals. Ferrero plays hometown hopeful Andy Murray for the second time in two weeks on Wednesday, and just like Hewitt, Ferrero will be given little shot to make the semis.

Even if both the oldies lose to the Andys, it's been a good week for the 29-and-over set. They may be ancient relics by tennis standards, but with the tennis they've produced they've electrified the grass, which is decidedly preferable to being buried under it.