Former world No.1 and two time grand slam winner Lleyton Glynn Hewitt believes having more competitive events would give exposure to a lot of young talents.
“I think it is important to try and get the best possible facilities in order to give the kids and locals the best opportunity they can have,” he said.
Hewitt , who won the 2001 US Open and 2002 Wimbledon Championships is in the country coaching his son Cruz, 13, who took part in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) J5 tournament which concluded on Sunday in Lautoka.
“The biggest thing is trying to get as many decent kids in any sport that they are playing to push each other so that they can be competitive and improve themselves and it only comes from having good competitions like the ITF J5. The Australian, 41 said the sporting facilities in Fiji was good, however, stated that “island facilities are slightly different to obviously the main tournaments from around the world.”
He said it was wonderful to interact with young local tennis players as well.
“I think they were pretty excited about meeting a former world No.1 and Grand Slam winner at a place where they practice because they don’t see a World No. 1 on a daily basis.
“Watching my son playing, mingling and seeing the excitement of these other kids is very wonderful.”
Lleyton said the Fijian hospitality had been fantastic and the conditions are amazing.
“I would like to have a bit more downtime just to put my feet up and sit by the pool and even go to the beach.”
