Lleyton Hewitt is optimistic about his 2011 chances after an injury-disrupted 2010 season.
Hewitt had a mixed time in 2010, performing well in the big events – he reached the fourth round of Wimbledon and the Australian Open, but struggled for consistency week-in, week-out. However he did score a rare win over nemesis Roger Federer to claim the Halle title in June.
His season was curtailed by a hand injury in September but Hewitt has since regained full fitness and has been putting in the work on the practise court, having joined forces again with old coach Tony Roche.
"I'm back hitting the ball again so it's all good,” Hewitt said. "It took a couple of weeks to get back in the rhythm of hitting again. I've done some fitness training before I actually got on the court, which held me in good stead to be able to go out there and train with Rochey and do the hard yards again."
Hewitt regards Roche very highly, saying "He's a big part of my life, on and off the court. I respect him, what he has got to say, always. He's one of the greatest coaches out there, so I'm privileged to have him in my corner."
Hewitt will begin 2011 by competing for Australia in the Hopman Cup before competing in the Kooyong Exhibition ahead of the Australian Open.
