“We need someone who is strong ... to make the decisions in the best interest of our sport and that starts with the president of the federation,” he added.
Despite his country’s glittering tennis tradition, Hewitt, ranked 20, is one of only two Australians in the top 100 alongside the little-known Peter Luczak, currently at 83.
■LYON GRAND PRIX
AP, LYON, FRANCE
Fourth-seeded Juan Monaco of Argentina and No. 5 Julien Benneteau of France both advanced to the second round of the Lyon Grand Prix after winning in straight sets on Monday.
Monaco beat Josselin Ouanna 6-3, 6-2, breaking his French opponent’s serve six times, while Benneteau relied on his strong first serve to beat Alberto Martin of Spain 7-6 (1), 6-1.
Benneteau has never won a career singles title and was runner-up to two-time champion Robin Soderling at the indoor carpet event last year. Benneteau hit six aces against Martin and won 82 percent of points on his first serve.
“It would be great if I could go all the way and win my first title here,” Benneteau said. “I’m not the favorite, there are other players who are stronger. I wasn’t too far off last year.”
Benneteau will play either Kevin Anderson of South Africa or Germany’s Simon Greul in the second round.
Florent Serra of France saved all four break points he faced to beat Christophe Rochus of Belgium 6-3, 6-3 in Monday’s other first-round match.
■ST PETERSBURG OPEN
AP, ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Karol Beck of Slovakia has upset third-seeded Viktor Troicki of Serbia 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-4 in the first round of the St Petersburg Open.
Troicki leveled at a set apiece on Monday after breaking in the 10th game of the second set.
Beck, the 2004 runner-up, set up his victory with a break in the seventh game of the third set. Troicki also lost in the tournament’s opening round last year, falling to eventual champion Andy Murray of Britain.
Bjorn Phau of Germany also advanced, beating Russian wild card Stanislav Vovk 6-3, 6-2 while Rainer Schuettler of Germany, the 2001 runner-up, was ousted by Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 6-4, 6-4.
Mikhail Youzhny leads the field after winning the Kremlin Cup last week for his fifth career title. He won the event in 2004.
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