Lleyton Hewitt got off to a smooth start at the 2005 U.S. Open Wednesday, cruising to an easy straight set victory over Spaniard Albert Costa by a 6-1, 6-2, 6-1 margin.
Contrary to his reputation, Hewitt showed little outward emotion during the match. The Australian never pointed at his forehead and yelled 'Come on!' even once during the match although Costa gave him little reason for concern. Aside from a few isolated fist pumps, Hewitt seemed almost relaxed.
Hewitt managed to convert seven of 11 break points in the match. He had 23 winners while Costa managed only nine.
The wind was a major factor at Flushing Meadows as rain threatened throughout the hot, humid morning. The wind seemed to bother Costa, who paused before serving several times. At one point, the American flag snapped but the match continued.
Elsewhere on Wednesday morning, Ekaterina Bychkova, who defeated defending women’s champ Svetlana Kuzentsova on Monday, was eliminated in the second round of the women's draw by Ivana Lisjak of Croatia. The score was 7-5, 6-1.
