Hewitt proud of Del Potro shock

Lleyton Hewitt says he will be savouring his win over Juan Martin del Potro after the veteran upset the former champion at the US Open.

The Australian caused the biggest shock of the tournament so far as he came from 2-1 down to defeat sixth seed del Potro in five sets in a pulsating second round encounter.

Argentina's Del Potro had been tipped to challenge for the last major of the year, the 2009 US Open champion having had an impressive season so far.

However, he failed to put away his 32-year-old opponent in the fourth-set tie-break and was eventually made to pay as Hewitt came through 6-4 5-7 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-1 in four hours and three minutes.

The former world number one said he nearly quit the sport following a series of injuries a few years ago but is now relishing the challenge of trying to take down his younger adversaries.

"I was pumped up when I won my first-round match because I knew I would be playing del Potro and it was a great opportunity to play on (Arthur) Ashe (Stadium)," Hewitt said.

"I don't know how many years I've got left in me, I keep getting asked that question. I just wanted to get out here and put on a great show.

"A couple of years ago I had a couple of foot surgeries and I didn't know if I would play tennis again. For me to be out here competing, it's a lot of fun. This is why I still play, to have moments like this."

Joining Hewitt in the third round will be world number one Novak Djokovic after he disposed of Benjamin Becker 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-2.

Fellow seeds Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka and Tommy Haas also made it safely through the second round.

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