Australia’s return to the Davis Cup World Group has raised the possibility of Lleyton Hewitt making 2014 a fitting finale to his illustrious career.

The 32-year-old has remained vague about his future plans, insisting he will keep playing as long as his desire remains strong and his body allows for it.

Australia will return to the competition’s top tier next year for the first time since 2007 and Hewitt is sure to feature in Pat Rafter’s squad.

The former world No.1 remains a fierce competitor in grand slams, as evidence by his run to the last 16 at the US Open, but he’s badly missed competing at the highest level of Davis Cup.

The two-time grand slam winner said in Poland he craved “one last” crack at the top 16, hinting he could see it as a fitting way to bow out.

“For me personally, it’s a massive thing,” said Hewitt, who beat Poland’s stand-in No.1 Lukasz Kubot to give Australia a perfect start in Warsaw.

“I’d love to to play the World Group more than anything one last time before I eventually hang up the hats.

“… It’s one of the main reasons I’m still playing.”

Hewitt has won more Davis Cup rubbers for Australia than any man in history and is the country’s most-capped player.

His win over Kubot took his career win-loss record in the competition to 54-16 overall and 40-13 in singles.

Regardless of whether 2014 proves to be his swan song or not, he will play a vital role in Australia’s bid to consolidate a place in the top tier.

The inspirational Hewitt has been critical in the development of Bernard Tomic as a Davis Cup player and his leadership qualities were on show again as teenager Nick Kyrgios made his debut in Poland.

“It’s always an amazing feeling to have Lleyton on your team,” Tomic said.

“Davis Cup is something Lleyton’s really loved a lot and something I’ve always wanted to play well at and grown to love a lot.

“Having such a big influence on your team, it does help you a lot.”