WIMBLEDON, England — On one side of the net Monday was Lleyton Hewitt, playing in his final Wimbledon. On the other side of the net was Jarkko Nieminen, playing in his final Wimbledon.
Someone’s sentimental journey had to end, and it turned out to be Hewitt’s even though he extended the fifth set after saving two match points.
Nieminen’s victory — secured by a wild 3-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-0, 11-9 ride — looked and felt very much like the match of Wimbledon’s opening day.
But this encounter was more about the memories, even if Hewitt made a few new ones, including a diving backhand volley winner followed by a roll in the fifth set that was well worth a fist pump and Hewitt’s signature “Come ooooooooon.