By DPA,
Sydney : Recovering four-time champion Lleyton Hewitt confirmed Tuesday that his return from hip surgery is on schedule as he is committed to play in January’s Medibank International event in Sydney.
“My recovery is going well and I am really looking forward to the Australian summer,” said Hewitt, who last played in pain at the Beijing Olympic before his operation.
“It’s an exciting time for me. I’m already feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and excited about the challenge ahead.”
Hewitt, who won at Homebush Park in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005, called the event “a happy hunting ground for me.
“I’ve won here four times and would love to make it five. Some good hard matches in Sydney will certainly help me in my preparation for the 2009 Australian Open.
“I’m really looking forward to the Australian summer,” said the 27-year-old.”
Hewitt, his ranking down to 67th, is one of two Australians in the top 100 along with Chris Guccione, playing this week in Stockholm. Tournament officials also said they are hopeful of attracting world number one Rafael Nadal into the field after the Spaniard had to retire in the first round last January against Guccione.