After losing Oz, Hewitt wins heart

After losing in Oz Open final, Hewitt proposed to actress Bec Cartwright, ending his relationship with Clijsters.

Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt proposed to Australian television soap opera actress Bec Cartwright straight after his defeat to Russian tennis player Marat Safin in the final of the Australian Open, the couple announced in Melbourne on Monday.

HT Image

The couple's agents confirmed the engagement in a statement and said Hewitt proposed to 21-year-old Cartwright, star of Australia's 'Home and Away' series, shortly after losing to Safin at Melbourne Park.

"Lleyton and Bec met five years ago at a Starlight Foundation charity tennis day and rekindled their relationship late last year," the statement said.

"The couple were instantly committed to each other and their close connection has been well documented in the media through their public acknowledgement and mutual support."

"Bec proudly revealed the ring presented to her by Lleyton earlier this evening to overjoyed family and friends at the post-tennis final celebrations."

World number three Hewitt's proposal comes three months after his much-publicised break-up with leading Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters after an almost five-year relationship.

Clijsters and Hewitt were to be married next month.

Media reports on Monday said that 23-year-old Hewitt got down on bended knee in a quiet corner to propose to Cartwright before heading off to a private party celebrating the end of the year's first tennis grand slam.

Channel Seven reported that Cartwright had no advance warning, but Hewitt was prepared, offering her a large diamond engagement ring.