Lleyton Hewitt says that his gruelling Hopman Cup schedule is giving him valuable court time before the Australian Open.
Hopman Cup schedule perfect Grand Slam preparation
Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt is embracing the Hopman Cup's gruelling schedule on his return from injury.
Hewitt has been sidelined since the Beijing Olympics due to hip surgery. Since his return, he has spent over nine hours on the court in only two days.
However, he says the schedule is perfect preparation for the Australian Open.
"It's interesting to come back this way and play a lot of tennis straight up," Hewitt said.
"But you know, going into the Australian Open you want to get the matches under your belt. This is what you need going into the Australian Open."
Tough
The 27-year-old has won both of his singles matches at the Hopman Cup, needing long three-set struggles to dispatch both Nicolas Kiefer and Dominik Hrbaty.
"Against Kiefer and Hrbaty I played two tough singles matches and both going the distance, which is a good thing I think to look back on," Hewitt added.
Hewitt, a former Australian Open finalist, will not be one of the favourites at his home Grand Slam but hopes to be a dangerous outsider.
He said: "I'll just take it a match at a time right at the moment.
"A lot depends on the draw I am given as well. I won't be seeded for the first time in a long time with a Grand Slam.
"It's matter of going out there and taking it to whoever I am up against. I won't have a lot to lose out there."
