07/10/2008 11:57 AM
A 'refreshed' and 'reinvigorated' Lleyton Hewitt will make his comeback from hip surgery at January's Sydney International.
Already a four-time winner of the tournament, Hewitt will make a bid for a fifth crown as he rounds out his preparations for the 2009 Australian Open.
The 27-year-old hasn't played since the Beijing Olympics but he believes he is back on track after a successful operation.
"My recovery is going well and I am really looking forward to the Australian summer," Hewitt said.
"It is an exciting time for me; I am already feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and excited about the challenge ahead."
"Sydney is a happy hunting ground for me. I have won here four times and would love to make it five. Some good hard matches in Sydney will certainly help me in my preparation
for the 2009 Australian Open."
Hewitt has won in Sydney in 2000, 2001, 2004 and 2005.
He is the first big name to confirm his attendance at the event, with world No.1 Rafael Nadal also expected to sign up.
Tournament director Craig Watson said Hewitt would be just the first of many stars to line up in the Sydney International.
"Sydney will be the first official ATP tournament he plays in his comeback," Watson said.
Watson revealed that the full line-up for the event which begins on January 11 will be announced over the coming weeks.