By Chris Soderstrom
Former US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt today announced he would undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair his injured hip. The decision rules him out of next week’s Grand Slam and the rest of the season.
Having avoided the option until today, the South Australian is hoping to rediscover career-best form next year with the niggling injury behind him.
“Surgery was always the last resort, but unfortunately that’s what it came down to,” Hewitt said.
“I am also shattered that I can’t lead the Australian Davis Cup team in Chile in our bid to rejoin the world group, and hope that the boys can still come through with a great win.”
The 27-year-old will miss Australia’s crucial World Group play-off tie against Chile in Santiago from September 19 to 21.
“I am looking forward to playing again in January in my home country, and using that as a springboard to compete at my best again on the world stage for at least a couple of more years,” added Hewitt.