2001 U.S. Open Champion

Tennis, that is; there are many U.S. Open championships, golf and tennis are just two. But today, September 9, 2001, a young Aussie won the crown in Flushing Meadows by beating one of the best, Pete Sampras.

Born in Adelaide, Australia on February 24, 1981, Lleyton's parents were both athletes; she a champion netballer and he an Australian footballer. With a court in his backyard, Leyton began early and at the age of four, a coach was employed. His improvement continued over the years and in 1998, Lleyton won his first title, fittingly in the town of his birth, Adelaide. That was just a little over three years ago.

In 1999, with Lleyton's help, Australia won the Davis Cup for the first time in 13 years. He since has victories over the best, including Rafter, Kueten, Corretja, and Sampras. In this tournament's quarterfinals, Lleyton played the newest sensation, Andy Roddick, and won in an incredible 5 set match. From that match until todays victory over Sampras, Leyton Hewitt has shown why he will be around for a long time to come. Australia can be proud and the rest of us glad for the new kid on the court.


Source:http://www.members.tripod.com/kerrin.lee/profile.htm