"He Whacked Him"

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Sat amongst Andy’s team on Tuesday evening was the unmistakable figure of Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.

The two-time IBF and IBO light-welterweight champion happened to be in town on holiday with his fiance, and being a big tennis fan – albeit one who’d never seen a live match – Andy invited him to watch from his box. He was impressed with what he saw.

“He has beaten a great player tonight,” said Hatton. “He has wiped him off the floor. It’s a shame the way it ended, but it makes you feel proud.”

Andy has long been a massive boxing fan. Big fight or small, it doesn’t really matter – he’s just as happy watching two small timers from Idaho slug it out on cable TV, as he is the big names.

“He plays tennis like a boxer, he flexes his muscles,” said Ricky. “And that is what British fans will love, his passion for it. I am just really proud of him. He has just whacked Nadal there off the court.

“Boxers and tennis players are the fittest sports people,” added Ricky. “Boxing is the hardest game in the world and I know tennis players have a bit longer on the stool but if you are out there for four or five hours, you have got to be fit. It is one-on-one competition. You can’t bring a sub on.”

Not that Hatton would swap the ring for a hardcourt: “When you see it at the elite stage, I would rather have a right hander come at me than try and return some of those serves. It is incredible.”

Sydney is the next city on Ricky’s holiday itinerary, but he’s coming back for the semi-final. If Andy wins that, there’s the final to consider. And If that happens?

“We might have to postpone Sydney,” said Ricky.

“His next opponent will be dreading facing him,” he added. “I think he has got as good a chance as we have had in I don’t know how many years.”

“It’s like Manchester City – we haven’t had had too much to cheer about lately and neither has British tennis. Maybe the tides are turning.”

We hope so.

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