In a match that lasted four hours and 18 minutes, it was Italian Andreas Seppi who prevailed, despite a two set fight back from Lleyton Hewitt, winning 7-6 6-3 5-7 5-7 7-5.
The crowd in Rod Laver Arena were truly given a treat on only day two of the Australian Open. Both players weren't going to give up easily, both players were going to take the match to the bitter end.
Breaking Seppi in the 12th game, Hewitt took the set 7-5 to take the Italian to a fourth.
Hewitt had taken his confidence and momentum from the third set and continued, breaking Seppi's so far unrelenting momentum. The fourth set also went the Australian's way, another late break of serve in the 12th game was rewind of the previous set.
In the fifth and final set it was Seppi who took the early lead, breaking Hewitts serve in the first game. Errors started to be made by Hewitt, his momentum was slowing, allowing Seppi's game to become stronger, the Italian took the advantage of Hewitt's dipping performance.
However, the Australian didn't panic. Instead he was able to stay with Seppi, approaching the net when possible to get the break he really needs. That opportunity came in the eighth game when two net cords both went Hewitt's way.
Leading at 5-4, Hewitt brought up match point on Seppi's serve. The Italian stayed focused with the second round in his eyes. Seppi saved the match point with an ace, then closed out the game with an ace to level 5-5.
Hewitt made some critical errors in the eleventh game, the game then swung in Seppi's favour as he broke back. With his lead over Hewitt, Seppi confidently served out the match has he booked his place in the second round.
Seppi will face American Donald Young in the second round on Thursday.
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