Hewitt eager to tackle Belgians on clay

Lleyton Hewitt is fighting fit and raring to go on Belgium's indoor clay courts as Australia tackle the Europeans in a Davis Cup first-round tie this weekend.

The former world number one, who won a Wimbledon title on grass and a US Open title on hard court, was quick to underline his claycourt credentials before the February 9-11 clash.

"Beating Costa in Spain and beating Kuerten in Brazil - you don't get much bigger than that," he said.

"I know what I'm capable of and I know how to do it in big situations when the pressure's on.

"I've hit for enough hours in the last week, week and a half now. I'm happy where my game is on clay at the moment."

At no.18, Hewitt is the only member of the Australian team for the Liege match ranked inside the world's top 100 but he thinks they are in good shape to advance.

"I feel like all the guys in our team have done absolutely everything we can do to have the result fall our way over the weekend," he said.

"It's going to be tough. Obviously Belgium playing at home... they're extremely hungry to get through to the quarter-finals."

Hewitt is joined by Chris Guccione (109), Peter Luczak (212) and doubles specialist Paul Hanley.

Belgium feature world number 34 Olivier Rochus, Kristof Vliegen (41), Christophe Rochus (74) and Dick Norman (126).