Hewitt, Dellacqua Hopman-bound

The International Tennis Federation on Friday announced that Lleyton Hewitt and Casey Dellacqua have accepted invitations to play for Australia at the 2009 Hopman Cup.

The current world number 19, Hewitt will be making his fourth appearance at the international mixed-gender team event, which takes place in Perth, Australia on January 3-9.

A former world number one, the 27-year-old Hewitt owns a 12-3 record in Hopman Cup events and will try to help the Australians win their first Cup since 1999.

"It is always a major thrill for me to represent my country and I look forward to returning to Perth to do so in Hopman Cup 2009," Hewitt said.

Hewitt, who claimed two grand slam titles at the 2001 US Open and Wimbledon in 2002, has won 26 career titles but has advanced to just one quarter-final at Adelaide this year.

Dellacqua, the world number 52, has yet to win a title but gained recognition by advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open this season.

The 23-year-old is excited about making her first appearance in the Hopman Cup.

"As long as I've been playing tennis, I've dreamt of one day playing in the Hopman Cup," Dellacqua said. "It's the only major tournament in Perth and it will be an absolute thrill to play in front of my family and friends for Australia."