Hewitt asks for simpler round-robin format

LAS VEGAS, Feb 28 (Reuters) Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt beat Vince Spadea 6-3 6-3 in his opening round-robin match at the Las Vegas Open on Tuesday and then called on the ATP Tour to simplify the new system.

The format, being used at several ATP Tour events this year, sees eight groups of three players, with each playing two matches and the winner going through to the quarter-finals.

The tour sees it as a way to ensure bigger crowds, with fans guaranteed the chance to see big-name players at least twice, while critics say the format makes it harder for lower-ranked players to break through.

World number 21 Hewitt, seeded second, said the ATP had some work to do before all the players were happy with it.

''It's got to be simplified,'' the Australian said. ''It's too confusing for everyone at the moment.

''It's a strange thing when the tournament first starts because you've got people everywhere and there are three sections of the draw, you are waiting for someone to come into your group and seeing who that person is.

''There's a lot of shifting. I think scheduling-wise it's pretty tough, and trying to work out the days to keep it alive in that third match, as well.'' Hewitt agreed, however, that for the likes of Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten and Briton Tim Henman, both making their way back after injuries, the round-robin system enabled them to get valuable match practice.

Hewitt missed last week's ATP event in Rotterdam because of a hamstring problem and admitted that he was still not firing on all cylinders.

''I have been getting treatment ever since I got here, three to four times a day,'' he said.

''That's been the hardest thing, I haven't hit many tennis balls, I've been trying to get my body right.'' Hewitt meets former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson of Sweden in his second match on Thursday.

REUTERS PM ND0902