Lleyton to join the Seven commentary team

Lleyton Hewitt is set to extend his role at this year's Australian Open with a stint in the commentary box.

“As always I can’t wait for the Australian Open to start,” said Hewitt.

“And this year I also look forward to giving fans and viewers my thoughts into some of the players and matches when I join the Channel 7 commentary team.”

He will join the expert Channel 7 commentary team which this year includes Johanna Griggs, Bruce McAvaney, Jim Courier, Matt White, Henri Leconte, Sandy Roberts, Hamish McLachlan, Todd Woodbridge, Roger Rasheed, Nicole Bradtke, Rennae Stubbs, John Fitzgerald, and Kerryn Pratt.

Channel 7 CEO David Leckie, celebrating the signing coup, said:

“Lleyton is an Australian tennis champion and will add some unique tennis insights for our viewers into the game’s strategies and its players.”

Hewitt faces a tough first round match against Argentinian David Nalbandian. The pair have a longstanding rivalry extending back to the 2002 Wimbledon final, with Hewitt the eventual winner. In their most recent clashes Nalbandian has come off on top, but with both players working back to full fitness it will be a keenly awaited match up.

Hewitt will also feature in the Rally for Relief to be broadcast on Channel 7 Sunday 4pm nationally to raise money for the victims of Australia’s flood disaster.

The superstars of world tennis including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Kim Clijsters, Sam Stosur, Novak Djokovic and Pat Rafter will gather for one-off exhibition matches.

Check out Yahoo7 Sport for the official online coverage of the 2011 Australian Open and exclusive highlights from all the key matches.