Aussie Hewitt on step closer to rematch with Agassi

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2004

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Lleyton Hewitt dropped his first set of the week, holding off an inspired charge from Frenchman Cyril Saulnier to power into the semi-finals of the 500,000-dollar Washington Open.

The second-seeded Australian was severely tested by the number seven Saulnier but survived for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) win.

Hewitt kept alive the prospects of a weekend final against American number one Andre Agassi.

Agassi, bidding for a sixth title at the event, was later facing another French opponent Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Hewitt, whose only other Washington appearance came in a first-round loss in 1998, had to struggle for two hours, 20 minutes in summer heat.

He forced a final-set tie-breaker, winning on his third match point when Saulnier, 29,...