Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt has made a solid return to hardcourts, exciting the Australian about his US Open prospects after missing out last year because of hip surgery.

"I was close to getting to the semis at Wimbledon. I was probably only a point from beating Roddick." said Hewitt

"Hopefully for the US Open that will give me a lot of confidence for five setters on the hardcourts." continued Hewitt.

"The first three or four months this year I was still struggling, It took a lot of physical and mental strength to come back from that injury." added Federer.

While he still has therapy, Hewitt said that his hip feels fine now. Hewitt reached the US Open final in 2004, losing to Roger Federer.

With Hewitt's confidence returning, the born-again fan favourite is counting upon a solid showing at the US Open to boost him back among the ranking leaders.

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