At the 2003 Roland Garros, Tommy Robredo signed one of the greatest exploits of his sports career. That Saturday, May 31, the Catalan achieved something that seemed impossible: defeating the best tennis player of the moment and number 1 in the world, the Australian Lleyton Hewitt.
The feat is even more legendary if we consider that he not only surpassed Hewitt, but he did it with a historical comeback after three hours and 24 minutes of the game: 4-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. “Until now, I always remembered my 2001 victory against Ferrero at the US Open. But today he far exceeds it. I didn't mind going down two sleeves, or losing 0-3 in the fifth. I have always kept fighting, convinced that I could beat him “, the Catalan affirmed exultantly at the end of the game.
But what was the key to such a milestone? Without a doubt, as reflected on the ATP website, Robredo pointed to Andre Agassi's pre-match advice at the tournament grounds. “I thought about asking Agassi and he was very curious. No one had ever told me a game tactic as elaborate and clear as he was. He did not fail at all. He was very clear about how Hewitt played and how he had to be played “, confessed that of Hostalric, who after his feat received the congratulations of the American: “I saw the whole game and sincerely played incredible. All the tactic we talked about was applied perfectly. I'm so glad. “ Given the success, Robredo turned to Agassi again before his next duel, neither more nor less than against the triple champion of the Parisian Grand Slam: 'Guga' Kuerten. The result? Second consecutive victory to stand on quarterfinals with only 21 years. The association could not be more fruitful.