Key Biscayne (Florida), Mar 22: Lleyton Hewitt's upset stomach spelled an early upset of the Australian world no. 1 at the 6.2 million-dollar ATP and WTA hardcourt tournament here yesterday, but women's top seed Serena Williams was more fortunate.
"I got sick last night," Hewitt said after falling 6-4, 6-4 to qualifier Francisco Clavet in the second round.
Williams, the women's world no. 1, overcame symptoms from stomach flu to post a 7-5, 6-1 win over Francesca Schiavone of Italy in her opening match at the tournament.
Williams admitted that there was a point at the end of the close first set that she thought she might have to retire in the match, but pushed herself to continue playing.
"I'm really happy I'm able to get through today because I know I have the day off tomorrow," Williams said.



"I know my body can recover more and by the time Sunday comes, I'll definitely be ready."



Hewitt, who won the first Masters series event of the year at Indian Wells last week, never looked himself on the court Friday night.



On two occasions - on changeovers after the third and fifth games of the second set - ATP trainer Doug Spreen was on court tending to Hewitt.



Despite the fact the match was taking place on hard courts, the no. 178 ranked Clavet played his normal brand of clay court tennis, manipulating Hewitt into longer points than he'd prefer to play.


Bureau Report