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http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/07/1041566409955.html
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By Ben Wyld
January 8 2003
Watch out, Lleyton Hewitt. Carlos Moya is so relaxed at the thought of playing the world No1 he actually enjoys seeing Hewitt's name against his in tournament draws.
"The last four times he didn't win even a set, you know, of the last four times we played each other, so that gives you a lot of confidence," Moya said after his straightforward 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 6-3 first-round win over American James Blake at the adidas International yesterday. "This year I feel like I could be even better, in a better position." He's not being cocky. The comment comes with a 5-2 record against the Australian - which included four successive wins against Hewitt last year. Moya's results suggest that perhaps he has the secret formula to consistently derail the Australian.
"I think his trouble is with my forehand; he finds it very difficult to find my backhand," Moya said. "I can only say that, when I play him, I feel very comfortable."
The 26-year-old Spaniard, a former world No1, finds himself back in contention for the top spot after a series of injuries that included a stress fracture in his lower back. The time spent in convalescence has allowed Moya to take stock of his game and make the improvements he feels can get him to the top spot.
"Before, I still was able to be number one and win a grand slam with not a very good backhand," he said. "After I fell injured ... I hit thousands of backhands during practice.
"It's not the best backhand on tour but I can be comfortable playing backhand and wait for the chance to play my forehand."
Blake enjoyed success only last weekend against Hewitt at the Hopman Cup. He believes Moya possesses perhaps the heaviest back-court game on the tour.
"I think Carlos should be one of the favourites going into the Australian Open," Blake said. "I'm not used to playing too many guys with bigger forehands than me. As soon as he gets a chance, he rips it and hits it so heavy that it makes it really tough just to even stay in the point after he hits it."
He also believes Moya may have Hewitt's measure.
"I think he's one of the few people on tour that can probably overpower Lleyton, as tough as it is to do," the American said.
By Ben Wyld
January 8 2003
Watch out, Lleyton Hewitt. Carlos Moya is so relaxed at the thought of playing the world No1 he actually enjoys seeing Hewitt's name against his in tournament draws.
"The last four times he didn't win even a set, you know, of the last four times we played each other, so that gives you a lot of confidence," Moya said after his straightforward 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 6-3 first-round win over American James Blake at the adidas International yesterday. "This year I feel like I could be even better, in a better position." He's not being cocky. The comment comes with a 5-2 record against the Australian - which included four successive wins against Hewitt last year. Moya's results suggest that perhaps he has the secret formula to consistently derail the Australian.
"I think his trouble is with my forehand; he finds it very difficult to find my backhand," Moya said. "I can only say that, when I play him, I feel very comfortable."
The 26-year-old Spaniard, a former world No1, finds himself back in contention for the top spot after a series of injuries that included a stress fracture in his lower back. The time spent in convalescence has allowed Moya to take stock of his game and make the improvements he feels can get him to the top spot.
"Before, I still was able to be number one and win a grand slam with not a very good backhand," he said. "After I fell injured ... I hit thousands of backhands during practice.
"It's not the best backhand on tour but I can be comfortable playing backhand and wait for the chance to play my forehand."
Blake enjoyed success only last weekend against Hewitt at the Hopman Cup. He believes Moya possesses perhaps the heaviest back-court game on the tour.
"I think Carlos should be one of the favourites going into the Australian Open," Blake said. "I'm not used to playing too many guys with bigger forehands than me. As soon as he gets a chance, he rips it and hits it so heavy that it makes it really tough just to even stay in the point after he hits it."
He also believes Moya may have Hewitt's measure.
"I think he's one of the few people on tour that can probably overpower Lleyton, as tough as it is to do," the American said.
