Eastbourne beckons for Hewitt

Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt will compete at Eastbourne in what will be the event's second year on the ATP Tour.

Australian star seizes chance for grass-court warm-up

Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt will compete at Eastbourne in what will be the event's second year on the ATP Tour. The 30-year-old is returning to competition following foot surgery in March, and will make his comeback appearance at the French Open next week. Hewitt has dropped to 66 in the world rankings, but the former grass-court champion believes England's south coast competition will be the perfect opportunity to prepare for Wimbledon. Hewitt told the Lawn Tennis Association website: "I am excited to be playing in Eastbourne for the first time. "I think it's great that there is now a men's tournament alongside the popular women's event and it's a great opportunity for me to prepare for Wimbledon." Hewitt will see how he shapes up against 11 top-50 players at Eastbourne including defending champion Michael Llodra and fellow Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who is currently seeded 18th in the world.