The world No.1 spot couldn’t matter less to Lleyton Hewitt. The Australian’s eyes flash defiantly when he says it. But as the 2004 tennis season explodes into action Down Under, Hewitt’s preparations for the year already betray a very different feeling. 2003 Was a year in which he was toppled from his place at the head of the rankings and left without a grand slam title in his possession. Now the 22-year-old is determined to put things right. While the rankings may not be paramount in his mind, major success is — and with grand slam titles comes ranking points. In the last few months, Hewitt has packed more power into his 1.80 metres frame, adding bulk to his wiry body. While he says he does not care about being top of the rankings, he is certainly determined not to be blown off court by the present incumbent of that exalted position Andy Roddick. Hewitt will not be cowed by Roddick. Not by the American nor anyone else. “A ranking’s just a ranking, mate,” he said in the western Australian city of Perth on Sunday as he fine tunes his game for an assault on the Australian Open in two weeks’ time. “I couldn’t care less about that.” The ATP’s current list shows Hewitt at No. 17 in the world but that is not a position which worries the Australian. “I know how well I can play when I want to,” he smiled. “And I have been training hard.” The beefed-up baseliner certainly has his focus firmly on success. A disappointing 2003 season was saved at the death by a Davis Cup triumph for Hewitt. (Reuters)
