Hewitt shocks Del Potro in battle of ex-champs

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Australian warhorse Lleyton Hewitt battled to a stunning five-set US Open win over Argentine sixth seed Juan Martin Del Potro on Friday, relegating Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to supporting roles.
The 2001 champion defeated the 2009 winner, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 in the tournament’s biggest shock to date. Hewitt, 32 years old and down at 66 in the rankings after a lengthy battle with injuries, served up a trademark warrior-like performance that recalled his golden days when he was world number one and Wimbledon champion.
“I was really pumped up after I won my first match because I knew I would have a chance to play on Arthur Ashe Stadium,” said Hewitt after his four-hour, three-minute win.
Del Potro, still bothered by a wrist injury, was beaten in his second successive four-hour match.
“He’s a great champion and a great fighter,” said the big Argentine.
Murray, the third seed and Wimbledon champion, survived his first scare of the US Open, beating Argentina’s world number 81 Leonardo Mayer, 7-5, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 and goes on to tackle Germany’s Florian Mayer for a last-16 spot.
“It was a very tough match,” Murray said.
Djokovic survived a first-set wobble before defeating Germany’s Benjamin Becker 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2 after saving two set points in the 10th game of the opener.
In the women’s event, Chinese fifth seed Li Na and third-seeded Pole Agnieszka Radwanska made the last 16. Li hit 11 aces in a 6-2, 7-5 victory against teenager Laura Robson.