Tennis-Hewitt targets Sydney event for return from injury

SYDNEY, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt will make his return from hip surgery at the Sydney International tennis tournament in January, the Australian said in a statement on Tuesday.

Hewitt, who has won the warm-up event for the Australian Open four times, said his recovery from surgery following a disappointing showing at the Beijing Olympics in August was going well.

"I am really looking forward to the Australian summer," the 27-year-old said.

"It is an exciting time for me; I am already feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and excited about the challenge ahead.

"Sydney is a happy hunting ground for me. Some good hard matches will certainly help me in my preparation for the 2009 Australian Open."

The twice grand slam champion is currently ranked number 67 in the world. (Writing by Andrew Stevens in Brisbane; Editing by John O'Brien)