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Australian Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter believes resurgent Lleyton Hewitt is once again playing tennis like someone in the world top 20.
Hewitt, who turns 31 later this month, is currently ranked well outside the top 100 after an injury-cruelled 2011 campaign.
But Rafter saw plenty to like in the baseline warrior’s thrilling run to the last 16 at the Australian Open last month, where he took eventual champion Novak Djokovic to four sets.
As such, Rafter had no qualms choosing Hewitt to play singles alongside young gun Bernard Tomic in the Asia-Oceania Cup tie against China beginning on Friday, even though his current world ranking of 130 is well below that of fellow squad member Matthew Ebden (83).
The former US Open and Wimbledon champion will also be named to play doubles with Chris Guccione in the clash at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club.
“Lleyton will be playing singles (although) Matty is ready to rock and roll,” said Rafter on Tuesday.
“But Lleyton is ready and Lleyton’s ranking is no reflection of how he’s hitting the ball.
“To me he is back in the top 20 in terms of how he is hitting the ball.”
Australia will be heavily favoured to advance to the next stage of qualifying against a Chinese team whose highest ranked player is world No.278 Zhang Ze.
And Rafter believes a team involving the likes of Tomic and Hewitt – playing a record-equalling 32nd Cup tie in Geelong – has the potential to again make a real mark in the World Group next year if only they can advance through the tough qualifying phase.
Australia were pipped at the final hurdle in 2011 by a Swiss team headed by Roger Federer.
“The boys are the favourites here, there’s no doubt about it,” said Rafter.
“The Chinese boys compete really well and we’re not taking them lightly.
“That’s why we’re here early and ready to go.
“… We take this very seriously and this year is about trying to get back into the World Group and seeing how we go.”
Hewitt said he had always adapted quickly to grass, as proven by his exceptional record in the Queen’s Club and Halle tournaments straight after the French Open.
He expected the courts in Geelong to firm up in the next few days, which would provide a real challenge for the Chinese players, who never get the chance to practice on grass in their home country.
“I love every time I put the gold jacket on and playing for my country whoever it’s against and my preparation is exactly the same,” said Hewitt.
“But obviously with the team we’ve got and getting a few home ties here and there I think we could do some damage in the World Group.
“We’ve just got to get back into it.”
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