Australia’s former world No. 1, Lleyton Hewitt has announced he will retire in 2016 after his 20 Australian Open appearance.
“I plan to play the Aussie Open next year and most likely finish then,” Hewitt, accompanied by two-time Grand Slam winner, Patrick Rafter, and former player, commentator and coach Wally Masur, revealed his intention to the media on Thursday.
“Personally, I’ll be looking towards the grass court season and most likely finish here in Melbourne, which for me would obviously be special to play 20 Australian Opens.”
The 33-year-old veteran’s 19th consecutive appearance in Melbourne Park this year is the fourth longest streak at any Grand Slam. The world No. 87 failed to advance beyond the second round, dropping a two-set lead against Germany’s Benjamin Becker to lose a five-setter after beating a first round win over wild card Ze Zheng in 4 sets.
