Hewitt enjoying the Aus Open ride

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LLEYTON Hewitt remembers it well.

The only singles match he has ever played on an outside court at the Australian Open.

It was against two-time French Open champion Sergi Bruguera, who "hit spin on his forehand that I'd never seen before".

Hewitt lost in straight sets. He was 15.

"It's the only time I never played on Rod Laver Arena," recalled a resurgent Hewitt ahead of tomorrow's clash with Andreas Seppi, the Australian's 18th consecutive appearance at his home Grand Slam.

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"When I stop playing, it's something I'll be pretty proud of, wherever it stops, whatever number, 18 in a row, and in singles main draw as well.

"I wouldn't have dreamt of that as my first one in '97 as a 15 year old, that's for sure. I didn't think I'd be playing anywhere near (age) 30.

"To still be going just before my 33rd birthday is something I'm happy with."

Hewitt appears to be soaking up the experience and the time he has left in the game, even teaming up with Pat Rafter for a tilt at doubles.

And he is playing eye-catching tennis, having claimed the Brisbane International title in brutal conditions, similar to the 41C temperatures forecast for his seventh career clash with Seppi. The pair have split their matches 3-3.

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Hewitt was not bothered by the heat, having already faced it in Brisbane.

"That was good preparation," he said.

"It's going to be a dryer heat here, not as humid as up in Brisbane. You still have to do all the right precautions."

Hewitt has not lost a lead-up match, while Seppi has not won one, having lost to Australian Marinko Matosevic in Sydney.

"But he made round of 16 here last year and beat quality players and lasted five set matches as well," Hewitt said.

"In the back of his mind he's going to be happy to be coming back here.

"Then again, he probably didn't want to play me in the first round."

Lleyton Hewitt put Andy Murray to the sword in a Melbourne exhibition match with a 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-4) win.

Rafter has been hugely impressed with Hewitt's season so far.

"Lleyton of old, digging out matches," Rafter said of his Brisbane campaign, where he beat Roger Federer in the final.

"It was just great to see him reignite those old days, seeing the way he handled himself in the final against Federere was impressive.

"He loves the occasion. He loves being out here. He loves playing. His professionalism, there's no one else out there like him."

Hewitt has also caught the attention of No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic.

" Whenever he's fit and ready, he still can beat anyone," Djokovic said.

"He has proven that winning against Roger in Brisbane. He's in great form. We can expect him to make some damage here in Melbourne Park."

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