Hewitt braced for last hurrah

Lleyton Hewitt embarks on his emotional farewell tournament with rivals and fans on Tuesday, hoping for a deep run at the Australian Open in his 20th and final attempt.

The Aussie warhorse, renowned for his all-or-nothing fighting spirit, is pitted against young compatriot James Duckworth in a likely night match on Rod Laver Arena with the threat that every match could be his last.

Adding poignancy to his last hurrah is that the 34-year-old has never won his home Grand Slam, although he came close, losing the 2005 final to Russian Marat Safin.