Hurting hip hampers Hewitt
Hurting hip hampers Hewitt 
From correspondents in Miami, Florida
Former Australian Captain March 30, 2008
LLEYTON Hewitt blamed a nagging hip injury after losing 6-3 7-6 (7-4) to Argentine Jose Acasuso in an opening match today at the Miami Masters.
“I just couldn’t quite move properly,'’ said the Australian, who picked up the problem last week in Indian Wells.
“I went out there, and I tried and just couldn’t quite compete the way wanted to. I suffered against (Mardy) Fish last week, and I’ve been battling it ever since.
“I tried to do everything to get in shape to be ready today, but it wasn’t quite there.'’
Hewitt’s spring US adventure ended on a low note, with a 3-3 record from Las Vegas, California and Florida.
The former No.1’s last multiple-title season was in 2004, since winning just one title per year. His lone 2007 trophy was in June at Queen’s club in June on grass.
Hewitt said he would need to rest the hip, in hopes of being fit for Australia’s Davis Cup date in less than a fortnight against Thailand in Townsville.
While insisting that he didn’t know exactly what the problem was, Hewitt knows he needs to get it solved.
“I was just trying to get as much treatment as possible in the last couple of days. I didn’t hit yesterday to try to be right for today, but that’s how it goes,'’ he said.
“I didn’t feel my footwork was great today, and that’s what lost me the match, I think.'’
Press Association