Former lovers Hewitt and Clijsters have moved on
By Paul Levine SportsTicker Contributing Writer
INDIAN WELLS, California - Former tennis love doubles Lleyton Hewitt and Kim Clijsters are showing that breaking up is not so hard to do.
After a four-year relationship and 10-month engagement, Clijsters called off their February wedding plans in October while rehabbing from left wrist surgery. The former No. 1 said the experience has made her a changed person.
"I'm very happy," said Clijsters, who reportedly is dating a hunky underwear model from her native Belgium. "It's the past. I've learned so much out of those five years and it's an experience that everyone should have. I learned so much about myself in the past year. It made me think about the things in life I want to do. It made me a stronger person."
Hewitt, the second seed behind world No. 1 Roger Federer of Switzerland at the $2.1 million Pacific Life Open, paused for a moment when asked if he has also grown since the breakup.
"I don't know. I've always been mature," he said. "I feel confident within myself and I think you learn a lot about yourself in different situations. At the end of last year it was a tough situation mentally."
Hewitt agreed with his former girlfriend that the split is going to turn out positive for both. Since the breakup, the fiery Australian became engaged to fellow-Aussie soap star actress Becca Cartwright of the daytime series, "Home and Away."
"I can only speak personally on my behalf but for me it's great," he said. "I'm very happy with how everything has panned out. With Becca, it's been fantastic the last few months. I've feel very relaxed both on and off the court. I can't complain with my situation right at the moment."
While Hewitt focuses on winning the desert title for the third time, he likely will run into Clijsters for the first time since the breakup. But he admits it won't be an awkward situation.
"I don't think so, it's something you're going to go through," he explained. "It's going to be different than seeing any other player, I think. But then again, we've both got big careers to look forward. We'll do our normal thing, anyway. There's nothing you can do about it anyway."
Though he said they remain friends, they haven't talked in months.
"I haven't spoken to her in a while but I'm sure we'll chat here," he said. "There's no bad blood at all, there's no bad feelings. "We'll both do our own thing and prepare for our matches as we normally would."
Though Hewitt has started the year with a 14-2 mark, including a runner-up showing to Russian Marat Safin at the Australian Open, he feels Federer is the player to beat and his biggest rival.
"I think the toughest guy at the moment is Federer, there's no doubt about that. ... for anyone," Hewitt said. "There's not just the two of us. Obviously, we've had great matches in the past. He's had the better of me the last few times but I'll try and change that. But there's not doubt he's the best player going around on all surfaces. Right now, he's the toughest guy to play, and he deserves to be No. 1."
This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index
EDITORS' PICKS
- Murray Prevails In Three Sets
- Andy Murray takes out Kevin Anderson in three sets to reach the Miami Open quarterfinals.
Story »
- Petkovic Takes Out Pliskova
- Andrea Petkovic takes out Karolina Pliskova at the Miami Open.
Scores »
- Serena Overpowers Bellis
- Serena Williams takes care of CiCi Bellis in straight sets.
Story »
RECENT ACTIVITY
-
TOOLS
- Contact Us
- Corrections
- Daily Line
- RSS