Hewitt wasn't the only young gun impressing at the Masters event. Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean unexpectedly qualified for the event by winning the Paris tournament, and then proceeded to make the final of the Tennis Masters. He was only stopped by Hewitt, who won the final by 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero also impressed at the event, making the semi-finals where he also bowed out to the Australian.
Yevgeny Kafelnikov was the only player over 25 to make the semi-finals of the Masters event, which features the top 8 players of the year on the ATP Tour. He did well defeating last year's champion Gustavo Kuerten, Goran Ivanisevic and Ferrero in the round robin stage. But he was decisively beaten in the semi finals by Grosjean, who won 6-4, 6-2. It was a similar performance to his US Open semi-final against Hewitt, who thrashed him for the loss of only 4 games. The Russian, who turns 28 this February looks to have reached the limit of his potential.
Kafelnikov, along with Agassi and Sampras are part of the older generation of tennis players who are being forced aside by young guns such as Hewitt and Grosjean. In 2001 there has been a clear shift in the balance of power in men's tennis towards the younger generation. Pete Sampras failed to win a tournament, let alone at Wimbledon which he used to be able to win seemingly by just turning up. Similarly after an early season flourish new father Agassi declined over the rest of the year. At 31 years of age it is unlikely he can come back. The Australian Open title in January will probably be his last grand slam title.
Hewitt, on the other hand, looks set to win many more with plenty of time ahead of him.
Finally, respectful mention must be made to 2 time US Open champion Patrick Rafter who retired from the ATP Tour after playing the event. Rafter, who has been plauged with injury throughout his career; failed to win any of his round robin matches. Nonetheless he was warmly recieved by the home crowd, and will be well remembered for his 2 US Open titles and 2 Wimbledon finals appearances. Some suspect he may come back from retirement for one last crack at Wimbledon next July. For now Rafter is having a well earned break.
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