Don’t try telling Lleyton Hewitt he’s making up the numbers at this summer’s Australian Open.

The 33-year-old will line up at his 18th Open when the tournament gets underway next month in Melbourne.

While Hewitt admits he’s asked about when he’ll retire almost weekly these days, the man himself is still confident he can make an impression at his home grand slam.

“Over five sets it suits me, moreso, as well in these conditions in Australia,” he said.

“It gives me a good opportunity.”

Hewitt’s best achievement at Melbourne Park was the runner-up finish he achieved in 2005, losing the final to Marat Safin.

Since then there have been some early exits but there have also been runs to the fourth round in 2008, 2010 and 2012.

He says making it to the second week is key and the US Open runs of Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic earlier this year showed what is possible if you get on a roll.

“I still feel like I could knock out some of the higher seeds and then you can take their section of the draw,” he said.

“Sometimes that gives you an easier path to get to the second week … those top three or four guys are still going to be the ones to beat going into the first major but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Hewitt will begin his Australian summer defending his Brisbane international title.

He beat Swiss great Roger Federer in last summer’s final and Hewitt said he was excited to get back onto Pat Rafter Arena.

“It was fantastic. A dream come true to win another title in Australia,” he said.

“Epic final against Roger Federer, one of the greats. It’s going to be hard to eclipse this year.”

NO PLACE LIKE HOME: LLEYTON HEWITT’S AUSTRALIAN OPEN RECORD

Debut: 1997

Record: 30 wins, 17 losses

Best result: 2005 – runner-up

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Ed Jackson | Gold Coast Correspondent

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