HEWETT CALMED

Once regarded as one of the more prickly characters on tour, Hewitt is completely at ease as he approaches his home Grand Slam next week.

Nothing is bothering him, not his quarter-final loss to Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at last week's Adelaide International; not the prospect of playing another "flashy Frenchman", Nicolas Mahut, in his first match at the Sydney International today; not the pressure that comes with being the sole home-town hope at the Australian Open; not the new Plexicushion surface installed for the Australian circuit this summer.

The reason for all this goodwill appears to be his partnership with revered coach Tony Roche, who joined his team six months ago after leaving Roger Federer's camp. Hewitt is clearly delighted to be working with the veteran Roche.

Hewitt, 26, has been refreshed in mind and body by three months off late last year that gave him time to recover from injuries that contributed to a plunge in the rankings to 21 (his lowest in eight years). He is now fit, enthusiastic and determined to reclaim a place in the top five.

The pugnacity that marked his career has all but disappeared away from the court. Some say that combativeness, on and off court, is an essential part of Hewitt's game, giving him the fire to prevail against bigger and stronger opponents.

But he is confident of his new direction and only wishes for more consistency on serve and a few more hard matches this week to hone his game before the Australian Open.