Hewitt makes Davis Cup team
Former Wimbledon champion to take on China
Last Updated: February 7, 2012 12:37pm
Lleyton Hewitt: Aussie ace named in Davis Cup team to face China
Lleyton Hewitt has been selected to represent Australia in their Davis Cup tie against China this weekend after captain Pat Rafter decided to put his faith in the former Wimbledon champion.
Hewitt has fallen to 130 in the world rankings after an injury-hit 2011 but reached the fourth round of this year's Australian Open to mark a return to form.
"He's back in the top 20 in terms of how he's hitting the ball"
Pat Rafter Quotes of the week
Bernard Tomic, the world number 36, will also play singles while Chris Guccione will partner Hewitt in the doubles at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club.
"Lleyton's ranking is no reflection of how he's hitting the ball," said Rafter.
"To me he's back in the top 20 in terms of how he's hitting the ball. To me, he's our player."
Australia will face China on grass in the Asia-Oceania Group 1 match having narrowly lost a World Group play-off to Switzerland last September.
Record
Hewitt has won several titles on grass, including the 2002 Wimbledon title, and he believes that should play into Australia's hands against the Chinese.
"My record on grass, going from the French Open into Queen's and Halle in the past has been exceptional," he said.
"Davis Cups are getting tougher and tougher each year and we've had rough draws (but) I feel like I'm moving and hitting the ball really well."
Hewitt's call-up means the Adelaide-born player will equal Todd Woodbridge's record of 32 Davis Cup appearances for Australia.
