Spanish fifth seed David Ferrer wore down Australian Lleyton Hewitt to move into the fourth round of the French Open with the victory.
Hewitt, seeded 25, had missed the entire European claycourt season because of a hip injury and eventually succumbed after a grueling three and a half hours.
Both players traded crosscourt backhands, tempting each other to go for a riskier shot down the line.

Hewitt played well in Paris despite his limited action before the tournament. As this match wore on, he sought treatment for his sore hip which might have affected his play.

But the fiery Aussie battled on until the end.  It came down to just a few points and Ferrer held off Hewitt's late charge to seal the win.
 

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