Lleyton Hewitt's Wimbledon Farewell: Who Said What

Lleyton Hewitt played his final singles match at Wimbledon on Monday as the Australian legend, who will retire next year, was beaten in five sets by Jarkko Nieminen in the first round. The 34-year-old former Wimbledon and US Open champion drew widespread praise from his peers despite his exit:

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic: "I have lots of respect for Lleyton. He's one of the greatest competitors we had in sport.

"It's impressive the way he was playing on a high level, competing, coming back, refusing to stop. (Djokovic Fears Smear Campaign in 'Becker Signals' Row)

"I could see over the years he's a nice guy. He's a family man. But once he's on the court, he's a feisty competitor."

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova: "When you think of players that know how to battle, he's probably on top of the list. (Nadal, Murray Enter Wimbledon Heat)

"Having the spirit of a champion, as he's had, to be able to still be here after so many years.

"I know he works extremely hard to try to be at the highest level. He has been doing that for years day in, day out. (First Serve for English Wine at Wimbledon)

"He was never the strongest or the tallest, but he had so many other qualities that got him through. I think that's really impressive."

Australian Davis Cup team-mate Nick Kyrgios: "I think he's huge. His attitude and competitiveness I think is second to none.

"Maybe Rafa (Nadal) and him are the greatest competitors of all time.

"When you got him still playing Davis Cup, leading the charge, I think when he's training and you watch that, it's pretty special."

Australian rising star Thanasi Kokkinakis: "As I grew up watching more and more tournaments, you realise how big of an achievement that was to win Wimbledon and how much he's done for the sport in Australia.

"Especially Davis Cup, as I said, he's great to have around. He really sets the tone as far as work ethic and training goes. He really leads by example."