Lleyton Hewitt calls umpire a 'freaking idiot' and line judge a 'moron' in heated exchange on Australian Open farewell
The former world number one was playing in his last ever singles match at the tournament
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Lleyton Hewitt showed that despite playing in his 20th and final Australian Open, none of the fire and passion that have been a trait of his brilliant career has ebbed.
The former world number one was on his way to a straight sets defeat against Spain's David Ferrer, and an exit for the last time from his home tournament, when he entered into a heated exchange with the umpire.
The two-time grand slam winner was called for a foot fault in the third and final set, which led Hewitt to direct an expletive in the direction of the line judge who called it.
He was warned by chair umpire Pascal Maria, to which Hewitt responded. The clearly agitated Australian said the line judge was "a moron" and then called Maria a "freaking idiot" before telling him "that's why everyone in the locker room thinks you're so full of yourself".
And Hewitt calling the linesman a "moron" for the foot fault & Pascal Maria an "idiot." Going out in style #ausopen pic.twitter.com/UBNDlyAdqn
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) January 21, 2016
The fiery moment failed to turn the tide of the match, with Hewitt losing the third round contest 6-2 6-4 6-4.
"I left nothing in the locker room. My whole career I've given 100 per cent," the watery-eyed 34-year-old said on court after video tributes from the likes of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were played on the Rod Laver Arena screens.
"I love coming out here and competing. I've been so fortunate to have that opportunity 20 years in a row."
Hewitt remains in the mens' doubles tournament.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments