This article was first published 19 years ago

Hewitt withdraws from Hamburg Masters

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May 06, 2005 17:26 IST

Australia's Lleyton Hewitt has pulled out of next week's Hamburg Masters because of a toe injury, further disrupting his preparations for the French Open.

The world number two has not played since losing to Roger Federer in the final at Indian Wells in early March and then undergoing toe surgery.

The Australian Open finalist said he was practising on clay in Sydney and planned to make his comeback at the World Team Cup in Dusseldorf starting on May 15.

"It's a lot better now though and there'll be no excuses come Roland Garros time," Hewitt told reporters in Australia.

"I'm looking forward to the French Open and obviously Wimbledon -- which is probably the priority now after coming close in the Australian Open."

Hewitt has failed to add to his two Grand Slam singles titles since winning Wimbledon in 2002 but said he was feeling confident about his chances this year.

Dismissing the chances of Andy Roddick and Marat Safin, Hewitt said this year's Wimbledon championship was looming as battle between himself and Federer.

"Obviously I'll be an outsider for (the French) but I'll look forward to the grass," Hewitt said.

"Realistically it's only between Roger Federer and probably myself in that one and I look forward to it."

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