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Lleyton Hewitt is talking up Novak Djokovic’s chances at this year’s Australian Open, believing the world No.3 has the weapons to knock off Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Hewitt put up a mighty fight but was still brushed aside 6-2 6-4 by Djokovic at the Hopman Cup this week, with the Serbian’s hot touch after a shortened off-season surprising many.
World No.54 Hewitt, who won two of his three singles matches in Perth, said Djokovic deserved to be grouped with Nadal and Federer as favourites for the Australian Open.
“He had a good end to the year by winning the Davis Cup … (so) I think he’s very confident at the moment,” Hewitt said.
“So at the moment those three (are favourites).”
Djokovic won all three of his singles matches in Perth to help guide Serbia into Saturday’s Hopman Cup final.
The 23-year-old, who lifted Serbia to the Davis Cup title last month, said he was feeling good despite his shortened break.
“I think I’m preparing well and to be honest I haven’t expected to perform this well,” said the 2008 Australian Open winner.
“At this moment I really feel good physically and mentally, so I’m going to Australian Open with a lot of confidence and I think that my game is good enough to challenge anybody in the world at this moment, especially on the hard courts.
“I have to believe. I have to believe that I can go all the way through and hopefully physically I will be fit because Australian summer is really, really hot and warm and I have experienced that before.”
Djokovic is also desperate to claim the No.1 ranking, describing it as a lifetime goal.
“Well I believe that I will make it one day,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be this year or next year, or in the next three or four years.
“I am really trying to work hard towards that lifetime goal.
“I do have really strong competitors – Nadal, Federer and of course (Andy) Murray.”
Hewitt, whose 2010 campaign was ended by a hand injury suffered in September, said he was full of confidence ahead of the Kooyong Classic after his successful return to the court.
“All three of my singles matches have been in straight sets so I haven’t been pushed to the limit, but physically I pulled up well,” Hewitt said.
“For me it’s more about ball striking and just going out there and playing those break points or 30-all points, because that stuff in practice you just can’t get.
“It’s more those situations than having really long court time.
“I feel like I’m moving pretty well at the moment especially considering I haven’t played any matches for a long time.
“I felt like I was pretty sharp out there on the court.”
Australia’s pairing of Hewitt and Alicia Molik finished third in their group behind Serbia and Belgium despite posting a 3-0 win over Kazakhstan on Thursday.
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