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Injury ends Hewitt's season

Aussie to play on for 'a couple more years'

Last updated: 20th August 2008

Hewitt: Surgery the

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Lleyton Hewitt will not play again this season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on a long-standing hip injury.

The Australian played through the pain of the injury at Wimbledon, but has opted for surgery just a week before the start of the US Open in New York.

Former world number one Hewitt also competed at the Beijing Olympics, where he was a second-round loser to eventual gold medallist Rafael Nadal.

He was then eliminated along with doubles partner Chris Guccione at the quarter-final stage.

"Surgery was always the last resort, but unfortunately that's what it came down to," the 27-year-old said.

"I am also shattered that I can't lead the Australian Davis Cup team in Chile (in Santiago from Sept. 19-21) in our bid to rejoin the world group, and hope that the boys can still come through with a great win.

"I am looking forward to playing again in January in my home country, and using that as a springboard to compete at my best again on the world stage for at least a couple of more years."