Those in Switzerland look to Roger Federer. Those in Spain look to Rafael Nadal. Depending on the generation, those in the United States, looked to John McEnroe, or Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Most nations have produced tennis idols for compatriots to root for with little difficulty, as very few players in the sport personify a “villain” role on purpose, let alone embrace it. For Australians, their most popular tennis player this century has been Lleyton Hewitt, whose singles career ended Thursday with a loss to David Ferrer.

Hewitt represented a new form of tennis role model for Australians in the way that John Newcombe, Rod Laver, and others had for previous generations. He didn’t possess any sort of brash behavior or arrogance that would’ve made him a “love-to-hate” figure for American or European followers. He did, though, have a signature look wearing a baseball cap backwards with long hair, making him recognizable to most casual fans.

On the court, he may not have been the most decorated tennis player in history, but did well enough to win two majors – the U.S. Open in 2001 and Wimbledon the following summer. He reached the finals of two more Grand Slams – the 2004 U.S. Open and 2005 Australian Open. While he could never win his home Grand Slam, he remained, and will continue to remain, a hero of Australian sport.

Thursday’s second round match against David Ferrer represented a celebration of sorts for the Adelaide native. Hewitt provided multiple classic shots while donning a baseball cap worn backwards, even though the long hair is long gone. In the end, however, Ferrer showed even though he’s not much younger, the Spaniard is in the form of his life, cruising to the third round in straight sets. Recognizing the importance of the moment, however, Ferrer was extremely cordial to Hewitt, at some times apologetic during his post-match interview that he had to be the one who ended Hewitt’s singles career.

Australian Open executives handled the occasion brilliantly, as well. Usually it’s the winner who speaks last, but Hewitt had the last word, while a tribute video from current giants like Federer, Nadal, and Andy Murray congratulated the two-time major champion. ESPN3’s feed also showed a poignant moment of Hewitt walking out of Rod Laver Arena with his three children, through the walkway to the locker room, with a closing shot of his likeness on a door with the phrase, “Thanks, Mate!”

Lleyton Hewitt is still in the men’s doubles competition; he and fellow Aussie Sam Groth will face Henri Kontinen & John Peers in the second round Saturday. But he’s more remembered for his feats in singles play, where the future looks bright for Australian men. Two of the nation’s biggest up-and-comers – Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic – have already worked their way up to the point where they each receive seeds at Grand Slam tournaments. Although Kyrgios lost his third round match Friday, Tomic has an opportunity to set up a Round of 16 showdown with Andy Murray. Both players looked up to Lleyton Hewitt for the past decade, and now it’s their turn to be the face of men’s tennis in Australia.

That’s the impact of Lleyton Hewitt. Fans worldwide thank him for the memories.