He rose from a humble background to become men's tennis's youngest-ever world No.1, but Lleyton Hewitt is equally proud to be remembered as the people's champion.
It's a legacy assured now after Hewitt's recognition in the Australia Day honours as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
"It's the ultimate honour," Hewitt said.
"I always loved representing Australia, playing for my country and giving my all.
"I've also been so lucky that wherever I've played around the world, there's always been an Australian in the crowd.
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"It's been fantastic to have that support."
Hewitt's accolade caps a memorable week for the 34-year-old, who received a rapturous send-off after ending his playing career with an emotion-charged 20th Australian Open tilt at Melbourne Park.
He never quite managed to win his beloved home grand slam, but he retired with an enviable CV featuring the 2001 US Open title, the 2002 Wimbledon crown, 80 weeks as world No.1 and two Davis Cup trophies.
The one-time Young Australian of the Year also appeared at three Olympic Games, in Sydney, Beijing and London.
Now captain of the Australian team, Hewitt's Davis Cup heroics are legendary.
The dogged baseliner helped Australia to the title in his first year as a teenager in 1999, also raised the cup in 2003 and finished with countless records, including the most singles wins for his country.
"Playing Davis Cup, it doesn't get any better than that," Hewitt said.
"The passion, the tradition, I always put it all on the line playing for my mates and my country."
