Hewitt returns to 2009 Hopman Cup

PERTH, Australia (AFP) - The Hopman Cup 2009 got a significant early boost on Friday, with tournament organiser Paul McNamee announcing that Australian star Lleyton Hewitt will spearhead the home team's challenge.

McNamee announced here that Hewitt, the former world No.1 and Australia's highest ranked men's singles player, would form a dream pairing with local favourite Casey Dellacqua in the unique mixed teams tournament, which runs from January 3 to 9.

Hewitt will be making his fourth Hopman Cup appearance, but first since 2004.

It had seemed a bitter rift between McNamee and Hewitt over Australian Open court conditions would ensure he didn't add to that Perth record, but the pair appear to have resolved their differences.

"It is always a major thrill for me to represent my country and I look forward to returning to Perth to do so in Hopman Cup 2009," Hewitt said.

"Casey and I shall be giving it all we can to win the Cup for Australia for the first time since 1999, so we look forward to the support of the great Western Australian fans in getting behind us."

Dellacqua, ranked 52 in the world, rose to prominence at this year's Australian Open, beating Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo on her way to a breakthrough fourth-round appearance.

"As long as I've been playing tennis I've dreamt of one day playing in the Hopman Cup," the Perth girl said.

"It's the only major tournament in Perth and it will be an absolute thrill to play in front of my family and friends for Australia."