TNT Sports
Hewitt with dual objective
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Published 21/09/2004 at 11:42 GMT+1
Lleyton Hewitt took time-out last year in a bid to win the Davis Cup, but the 23-year-old was barely able to savour Australia's 28th victory in the team competition as they were beaten soundly by Sweden in February. On Friday, he will spearhead an attempt
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The recent U.S. Open finalist will lead a four-man team, including Todd Reid - providing his ankle injury improves - Wayne Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge on the grass-courts at Royal Kings Park in Perth.
But unlike last year, it isn't his only priority.
Hewitt has his sights set on the world number two ranking. Having started the year in 17th position, the Adelaide right-hander has won four tournaments and now has an eye on overtaking Andy Roddick .
Just 36-points behind big-serving Roddick in the ATP Champions Race, plenty of points are up for grabs in the Madrid and Paris Masters, plus the Masters Cup in Houston, which Hewitt qualified for courtesy of his New York exploits.
"I'm playing extremely well," Hewitt said after practice this week.
"Pretty much since the U.S. Open last year I haven't put too many feet wrong.
"Right through this whole period it's taken a hell of a player to beat me week in, week out, whether it's been smaller tournaments or the grand slams.
On the major stage, Hewitt lost to Roger Federer on three occasions and to Gaston Gaudio in the French Open quarterfinals.
"It's been an awkward year in that I haven't been able to grab one of the big ones.
"But then again I'm back at number three in the world now, got a chance to try and finish two and it's been a pretty good year thinking where I came from since the end of last year."
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