While many players spend years waiting for their chance to reach No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, typically achieving the milestone in the prime of their careers, Lleyton Hewitt’s ascent was anything but gradual — it was a sudden, electrifying breakout.
Aged just 20, Hewitt became the youngest World No. 1 at the time — a record since surpassed by Carlos Alcaraz — when he defeated Patrick Rafter en route to the title at the Nitto ATP Finals in Sydney in 2001.
The Australian’s meteoric rise was a testament to his relentless work ethic, unyielding determination, and a fierce, win-at-all-costs mentality that defined his legendary 19-year career.
“I think the first time you get there means the most, because no one can take that away from you,” ATP No. 1 Club member Hewitt said when reflecting on his achievement. “The only way you get the No. 1 ranking is to be unbelievably consistent, giving 100 per cent every time I stepped on the court gave me the best opportunity of competing against whoever it was and I think that mental toughness really helped.
“It is still very much an individual sport, tennis, and being out there and at times it gets very lonely. But that is why I think when you are able to get to the pinnacle of the game and get the most out of yourself, that is what the satisfaction comes from.”
Hewitt’s journey to No. 1 began when he made his tour-level debut at the Australian Open in 1997. He suffered a straight-sets defeat to Sergi Bruguera but a year later he burst onto the scene in style. Aged just 16 and competing as a wild card in Adelaide, Hewitt defeated idol Andre Agassi en route to his first ATP Tour title.
“I was able to beat Vince Spadea in the quarter-finals and then came up against one of my all time idols,” Hewitt recalled. “I had a poster of this guy above my bed in my bedroom. Andre Agassi. It was surreal to be walking out on Memorial Drive Centre Court playing one of the absolute greats of the game. I walked on the court trying to be competitive and in the end I couldn’t have dreamt that I would actually be able to beat Andre.”
Hewitt made impressive progress following his Adelaide success, cracking the Top 100 for the first time in 1998, the Top 30 by 1999 and the Top 10 by 2000.
The Australian enjoyed a consistent first half of the season in 2001, winning trophies in Sydney, at The Queen’s Club and in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. However, his No. 1 dream suddenly became a distinct possibility that September when he defeated Pete Sampras to clinch his first major title at the US Open.
“All of a sudden I had won the US Open,” Hewitt said. “I came straight back from that US Open and played in a Davis Cup semi-final and then within three months I am challenging for the No. 1 ranking. It all happened like a whirlwind.”
Heading into his final round-robin match at the Nitto ATP Finals, the already-qualified Hewitt knew victory against good friend Patrick Rafter would result in him becoming the youngest No. 1 in history.
“It was a bit of a surreal feeling going out to play that match. Especially alongside Pat, who I’d look up to for so many years as a massive role model to me and a big brother when I first came onto the Tour,” Hewitt said. “In the end it was a fantastic feeling that it could happen in Sydney, Australia and I could enjoy it with a good friend in Pat Rafter.”
Not only did Hewitt reach No. 1 but he maintained an iron grip on top spot. The Australian spent 75 consecutive weeks as the No. 1 in his first stint, the third longest debut reign in history behind Roger Federer (237) and Jimmy Connors (160).
In a standout 2002 season, Hewitt won five titles, including Wimbledon and the Nitto ATP Finals.
“The 2002 season was probably one of my proudest. I felt like I was the best player in the world. Consistently over 12 months and that is not an easy thing to do at 21 years old. You’ve won a Slam, you’ve won Tour Finals and you’ve got a massive target on your back each week.”
Hewitt spent a total of 80 weeks at No. 1 and lifted 30 tour-level titles in a historic career.
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