Lleyton Hewitt isn't ruling out adding to his legendary Australian Open legacy with yet another comeback in 2019.
Runner-up to Marat Safin in the 2005 singles final, 36-year-old Hewitt returned this month to Melbourne Park to partner retiring former Davis Cup teammate Sam Groth in the doubles.
The wildcards made an emotion-charged run to the quarter-finals, much to the delight of the local crowds who flocked to each match on the packed outside courts.
So much did he enjoy the ride that Hewitt says he might be back next year in what would be his 22nd appearance at his home grand slam.
"Not sure - it was fun. I guess I retired from singles. I've never said doubles," Hewitt said on Friday.
The former world No.1 is the only player to have contested 20 consecutive Australian Opens.
But even after "retiring" following a second-round exit in 2016, the South Australian baseliner made a Davis Cup comeback to partner John Peers in Australia's 2016 first-round tie against the USA at Kooyong.
He and Peers lost a five-set cliffhanger against Mike and Bob Bryan in Australia's 3-1 defeat.
Now Australian captain, Hewitt said he was most unlikely to return to the Cup playing fold, despite keeping an open mind about a Melbourne Park doubles cameo again next year.
"Dunno about that," he said ahead of next weekend's first-round hosting of Germany in Brisbane.
"I played alright, though."
