Hewitt makes short work of Rochus

LONDON, July 1 (Reuters) Lleyton Hewitt ensured Australian interest would be kept alive in the second week at Wimbledon when he sprinted into the fourth round with a 6-1 6-4 6-4 win over Belgian Olivier Rochus today.

The 2002 champion steamrollered the diminutive Rochus in the first set, with the Belgian avoiding the embarrassment of an empty scoresheet by holding his serve in the sixth game.

Hewitt continued to torment Rochus in the second set and sealed it with his 13th ace.

The 25-year-old Rochus recovered from 2-0 down in the third set to level at 4-4 but Hewitt would not be denied and clinched victory in just under two hours.

He will take on Chilean 10th seed Fernando Gonzalez or David Ferrer next.

Reuters PM VV2112