SPORTS

Hewitt to tackle Belgians on clay

February 07, 2007 14:56 IST

Lleyton Hewitt is fighting fit and raring to go on Belgium's indoor clay courts as Australia tackle the Europeans in a Davis Cup first-round tie this weekend.

The former world number one, who won a Wimbledon title on grass and a US Open title on hard court, was quick to underline his claycourt credentials before the Feb. 9-11 clash.

"Beating (Albert) Costa in Spain and beating (Gustavo) Kuerten in Brazil -- you don't get much bigger than that," he told Australian Associated Press in Belgium.

"I know what I'm capable of and I know how to do it in big situations when the pressure's on and I look forward to the challenge yet again.

"I've hit for enough hours in the last week, week and a half now. I'm happy where my game is on clay at the moment."

At 18, Hewitt is the only member of the Australian team for the Liege match ranked inside the world's top 100 but he thinks they are in good shape to advance.

"I

feel like all the guys in our team over the last week and a half have done absolutely everything we can do to have the result fall our way over the weekend," he said.

"It's going to be tough. In Davis Cup I've played enough years and enough big ties now to know that every match is hard.

"Obviously Belgium playing at home ... they're extremely hungry to get through to the quarter-finals."

Hewitt is joined by Chris Guccione (109), Peter Luczak (212) and doubles specialist Paul Hanley in the Australian team.

Belgium feature world number 34 Olivier Rochus, Kristof Vliegen (41), Christophe Rochus (74) and Dick Norman (126).

The draw takes place on Thursday.

Australia has comfortably won both previous meetings between the two nations. Belgium has yet to win a rubber, losing 5-0 in Perth in 1991 and 4-0 in Scarborough, Britain in 1922.

Source: REUTERS
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