Hewitt out for season with knee injury

SYDNEY: Lleyton Hewitt has been ordered to rest a knee injury and will not play again this tennis season, reports said on Friday.

The Australian former world No.1 is troubled by patella tendinitis and has been advised to stay off the court until mid-November, Melbourne's Herald-Sun newspaper said.

That leaves him no chance to force his way into the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai played around the same time, and he will also miss the chance to improve his ATP ranking of 18 after starting the year at four.

Hewitt's hopes of regaining a top-10 berth will revolve around January's Australian circuit.

The former US Open and Wimbledon champion will resume in the Adelaide International on January 1-7 before tackling the Sydney International the following week.

He will then have another tilt at the Australian Open (January 15-28).

"Playing at (Adelaide's) Memorial Drive in front of my home town is always a great way to start off the new year," he said Friday.

"Obviously, Adelaide is where I broke through for my first professional title and I just love playing here.

"It is so important to get your preparation right for a grand slam and I think starting the year at Adelaide will set me up for a strong Australian Open campaign."

Adelaide tournament officials say they are negotiating with several highly-ranked players for an appearance, including Scot Andy Murray, now ranked 19th in the world.