Lleyton Hewitt Races Past John Isner in ATP Masters 1000

(Photo by Victor Fraile/Getty Images)

Former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt cruised past the big-serving American John Isner in the first round of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Shanghai, China.

Hewitt, who is regarded as one of the best returners of serve in men's tennis, raced through the first set 6-2, and while the second set was tighter Hewitt still managed to edge it 6-4.

At 6'9" Isner is the second-tallest player on the tour and he has one of the biggest serves, but the American was powerless from preventing an in-form Hewitt victory.

Isner reached the fourth round of last month's US Open, beating compatriot and former champion Andy Roddick along the way.

Hewitt has been in decent form over the last few months and he will be hoping that he can have a good run in Shanghai this week. Hewitt won the Masters Cup when it was held in Shanghai back in 2002, beating Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final.

It would take a brave person to bet against Hewitt going all the way and winning the title this time around.

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