Lleyton Hewitt announces return to tennis, pairs up with Sam Groth for Australian Open
Australia Lleyton Hewitt, a U.S. Open and Wimbledon singles champion, officially retired from top-level tennis after his home grand slam in 2016.
In Short
- Lleyton Hewitt is set to make a temporary return to tennis.
- Hewitt to team up with Groth for men's doubles at Australian Open.
- Hewitt had retired after Australian Open in 2016.
Lleyton Hewitt is set to make a temporary return to tennis for next month's Australian Open in Melbourne. The former singles world No. 1 will team up with compatriot Sam Groth in men's doubles event.
Hewitt called time on his career after his home grand slam in 2016 but made a return to the court to play doubles at Davis Cup and Wimbledon last year. Hewitt though has won two grand slams at U.S. Open and Wimbledon in singles competition.
"It's going to be a bit of fun. That's what the Australian Open is about," Hewitt told News Corp Australia on Friday.
"I'm going to really enjoy it. We've been hitting a lot of balls, hitting every day, and we're not just going out there making up the numbers.
"We want to give it a fair crack."
Groth, who is retiring after the season-opening grand slam and is hoping for a wildcard for the singles draw, will also play mixed doubles with Sam Stosur.
"It's something Lleyton and I have talked about and it's perfect for me," Groth said.
"I was there when Rusty retired in 2016 and it's great that he'll be there with me when I bow out. He's not just someone I know through tennis, he's a great mate."
(Courtesy: Reuters)