Former champion Hewitt beats 5th-seeded del Potro to reach 3rd round at Wimbledon

Hewitt beats del Potro in 2nd round at Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England — Lleyton Hewitt has eliminated fifth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina to reach the third round at Wimbledon.

Hewitt was broken for the first time when serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set Thursday. The Australian broke right back but double faulted on his first match point in the next game. But del Potro then sent a shot long to give Hewitt a 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 win. The 2002 champion and former No. 1 saved all six break points he faced in the first set.

Del Potro is the highest men’s seed to lose so far in the tournament. He also lost in the second round the previous two years at Wimbledon.

Hewitt was cheered on by a group of Australian fans on Centre Court.