Still buzzing from the Australian Open, Lleyton Hewitt has given his strongest hint yet that he will play doubles for Australia in this week's Davis Cup first round tie with Germany.
Germany team captain Michael Kohlmann said he wouldn't be surprised if Hewitt took the court after watching the two-time grand slam champion practice with the Australian team in Brisbane.
And ex-world No.1 Hewitt - fresh from an inspired Australian Open quarter-final run with Sam Groth as wildcards -- did not deny speculation ahead of the tie starting at Pat Rafter Arena on Friday.
The draw will be held on Thursday.
"I wouldn't rule it out. Maybe; find out Thursday," Hewitt, who will turn 37 in February, said.
"I am going well. Not sure what the Germans think of that.
"It (Australian Open run) was a bit of fun, nice playing with Grothy and we were pretty competitive out there."
Kohlmann said Germany were "ready for anything".
"I watched Australia practice yesterday and the first combination was John Peers and Lleyton Hewitt, so I am ready for him to be on the court," he said.
"He's a great character, a legend of our sport.
"I was privileged to play him in a Davis Cup tie in 2000 in Adelaide and I got my ass kicked.
"We are ready for anything."
Hewitt didn't rule out another Australian Open doubles campaign in 2019 after his emotion-charged run to the quarter-finals at Melbourne with Groth, who retired after their grand slam campaign.
Hewitt officially retired from singles after the 2016 Australian Open.
The Australian team named for the first round tie is Nick Kyrgios, Jordan Thompson, John Millman, rookie Alex de Minaur and doubles specialist Peers.
The German team will be spearheaded by world No.5 Alexander Zverev.
Australia lead 4-3 in head to head Cup clashes but Germany won the last tie, a 2012 World Group playoff 3-2 in Hamburg.
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