Lleyton Hewitt inspired by Tiger Woods as he battles injury

Jun 29 2008

CROCKED Aussie Lleyton Hewitt revealed how Tiger Woods' US Open performance is inspiring him to battle on at Wimbledon with a hip injury.

World No.1 golfer Woods won the title recently despite a serious knee injury.

Despite suffering two stress fractures the American superstar battled on to beat the field to win his 14th Major.

Hewitt is taking comfort from that as he faces the daunting of prospect of facing defending champ Roger Federer tomorrow while struggling for fitness.

It's hard enough facing the Swiss superstar when you're 100 per cent but the last man to win Wimbledon before Federer's dominance started is trying to remain upbeat.

And looking at what Woods achieved Hewitt said: "I love watching Tiger play.

"He's one of my favourite sportsmen. What he did at the US Open was incredible.

"Not only did he go out and play four rounds but there was a fifth day as well.

"Nobody else on this planet could have overcome the odds like that to win.

"I don't complain too much about injuries - that comes from my football background.

"You don't show when you're hurt. It's the same on court.

"Very rarely do I give away signs I'm hurting at all. It shows signs of weakness."

Despite his own incredible record at the All England Club, Federer is taking nothing for granted. And he said: "Lletyon definitely believes strongly in his chances, which is normal."