Bec's heartache: 'Why I stand by Lleyton'

The tennis star declares his family his first priority, but Bec’s lonely life on the circuit may continue for a little while yet.

Bec and Lleyton Hewitt will celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary in London next month – but the real celebration for Bec, 28, will happen when they return home to Australia to start the next stage of their lives. The gorgeous mum-of-three has stood by her man, travelling the globe and raising the kids in hotel rooms and rented houses, so former Wimbledon champion Lleyton can chase his dreams of tennis glory.

In a rare interview, Lleyton has admitted the pressure his career has put on his family – and how desperately he needs his wife and children – Mia, 6, Cruz, 3, and 18-month-old Ava – by his side. “Tennis is such a lonely sport,” he says on Foxtel show Eddie McGuire Tonight. “It’s a one-on-one sport and travelling throughout the year, it’s a very lonely time. “But I’m very fortunate. Bec and the three kids are the priority – there’s no doubt about that. “There’s nothing better than coming off the tennis court and seeing the three kids run up to you. It’s an awesome feeling.”

But despite the difficulties of keeping the family on the road, he still refuses to consider retirement just yet. “I do love competing and everyone says you are retired for a long time once you’re done,” he says. “There are certain places and tournaments that you get a thrill and a buzz from being around…”

It’s a sentiment which will come as a blow to homemaker Bec, who was pinning her hopes on Lleyton retiring after the Olympics, particularly after he received so much praise for his commentary at the Australian Open, opening up a new career path for the driven athlete.Now Bec is putting her long awaited homecoming on hold yet again as she stands by her husband in his relentless pursuit of glory despite a series of injuries and humiliating losses, including his first round loss in the French Open.