Lleyton Hewitt (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        MASON — Lleyton Hewitt was facing set point when he hit a ball called just wide. He stared at the spot on the court. If the shot was out, it missed by millimeters. It summed up his day, and his season.

        The 20-year-old Australian was just a bit off his mark Saturday in a 6-4, 6-3 Tennis Masters Series Cincinnati semifinal loss to countryman Patrick Rafter. And Hewitt, who leads the ATP in victories this year (56-14) and ranks fifth in the world, continues to lack a marquee title.

        “It's hard to say (why),” Hewitt said. “I'm obviously around the mark. I feel like it's just sort of a matter of time.”

        This is typical in tennis. Up-and-comers can clean up in smaller events and score some victories over top players, but they often lack the consistency to maintain their peak throughout a top event.

TODAY'S GUIDE

• 11 a.m.: Doubles semifinal on grandstand court.   • 11:30 a.m.: Kuerten vs. Henman resumes.   • 1 p.m.: Singles final.   • Doubles final follows singles.   • Television: 1-3 p.m., CBS (live)

        Hewitt has played in four Tennis Masters Series semifinals this year, the most of any player, and three last year. But he's 1-for-7 in those semis; he reached the finals of TMS Stuttgart last year before losing to Wayne Ferreira.

        He also reached the semis of the U.S. Open last year and the quarterfinals of the French Open this spring.

        “He's going to make the next step,” Rafter said. “I don't want to put any pressure on him, and I don't think people around him should.

        “He's a great player, and it will come. If he gives himself enough opportunities to win, he'll turn it around.”

        Rafter knows all about Hewitt's talent; he was 0-2 against him before Saturday. He also knows about being patient.

        He spent four years in the top 100 without a breakthrough, finishing 1994 at No.21 but then lagging because of injuries. Then in 1997, at age 24, he won the U.S. Open. It was just his second tournament title.

        Hewitt is obviously ahead of that pace, having already won nine tournaments. He is a latter-day Jimmy Connors, a strong ground-stroker who excels at returning serve.

        Rafter landed 57 percent of his first serves, winning 88 percent of those points. Hewitt made just 49 percent of his first serves, opening the door for Rafter to break him three times.

        Hewitt had played three-set matches each of the three prior days and said he had a cold. He said he “hit a wall” Saturday.

        “This week, even though I wasn't playing my best tennis, I was competing very well,” Hewitt said. “That's one of my strengths.”

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