Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt found himself at the top of the men's game between 2001 and 2002. In that time he managed to win two Grand Slam titles: at the US Open, where he defeated the legendary American Pete Sampras in the title match, 7-6, 6-1, 6-1, and at Wimbledon, where he beat David Nalbandian of Argentina 6-1, 6-3, 6-2.

Hewitt, however, suffered from a hip injury last year, and as a result he had to have surgery, which forced him to miss the end of the 2008 season.

Not much was expected from Hewitt in 2009, but he has so far turned in a string of consistent performances. He reached the third round of the French Open before losing out to Rafael Nadal in straight sets. Hewitt then reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, where he lost to eventual finalist Andy Roddick in an epic five-set contest.

The Australian went into his third round match at the US Open against Roger Federer having lost his last 13 matches to the Swiss maestro, but Hewitt put up a brave fight before going down in four tight sets.

If Hewitt can find his best form, then it would take a brave person to bet against the Australian reaching another Grand Slam final.