Hewitt suffers back injury in Indian Wells defeat

INDIAN WELLS, California, Mar 12 (Reuters) Australian Lleyton Hewitt lost 7-6 4-6 6-2 to Serb Janko Tipsarevic in the Pacific Life Open second round.

Former world number one Hewitt, who won the title in Las Vegas last week, injured his back in the first game and had trouble moving for the rest of the match yesterday.

''It didn't get any better the whole time,'' Hewitt told reporters. ''I knew something wasn't right. It affected me on movement and return of serve. I had to adjust my whole position.

''I'm a little concerned. It's frustrating because I've been timing the ball well.'' Hewitt was watched by his former coach Darren Cahill, but the former US Open and Wimbledon champion played down reports they might work together again.

''I have no idea,'' Hewitt said. ''I still have to work things out and see where I want to go and see who the best person is to take me there.

''Darren is doing TV commentary here this week and he came a couple days early to work with Davis Cup guys like me and [Chris] Guccione and I was the only guy left so he was watching me.'' REUTERS DH SSC1313