The retiring Aussie champ marks his final grand slam tournament with a series of candid personal videos for Industry Super Funds screening around the court action on Seven.
Lleyton also appears in a new video campaign for vitamin giant Swisse which also features home video of Lleyton as a youngster and reflecting on his many career highlights.
Mumbrella says Lleyton, now 34, has never been shy about sharing his private life, selling exclusive coverage of his wedding to New Idea and publication rights to personal diaries by his wife, Bec, on the birth of their first child to rival Woman’s Day.
But the new retirement pieces are a first for the sports star, taking a look back at his career and pondering what the future will be without the pressures of playing.
The three-part series includes chats with Lleyton’s parents, Glynn and Cherilyn, and his sister Jaslyn, who share heart-warming anecdotes.
Lleyton says he’s always been passionate about the Open, from those early days of hanging over the rafters to try and nab a Pat Cash headband.
But he admits the 2005 staging will always hold a special place in his heart.
“It was just amazing two weeks of my life. I had my best ever result…I went on to lose an epic four set tight match to Marat Safin in the final.
“That evening, I’d already bought an engagement ring to ask Bec the question, I wasn’t planning on doing it then.
“We were back in the hotel room…I actually had ice nearly all over my body; I was in a bit of pain sitting next to this couch.
“She was sitting on this couch. It was really strange because I’m a guy that spends a lot of detail in preparing things to get the right outcome.
“This was just an absolute spur of the moment thing. I lost the tennis match, but obviously I won in life – the last 11 years have been absolutely fantastic.”
After the party ends in Melbourne, Lleyton says his priority will switch back to his family.
“Our main priority has always been the kids and to work out the best possible way for them realise what they want to do in life…and that’s going to be the biggest thing now, working out what their passions are moving forward.”
