Hewitt, Dellacqua to play for Australia at Hopman Cup

BRISBANE, Australia (Reuters) - Lleyton Hewitt and Casey Dellacqua will play for Australia at this year's Hopman Cup mixed tennis tournament in Perth, organizers said on Friday.

Hewitt has traditionally started his Australian Open preparations at the Adelaide ATP event but with that tournament's demise, he has decided to play in Perth.

"It is great to see Lleyton back in Perth," tournament director Paul McNamee said in a statement.

"We have got the two number one Aussies, so I am delighted Lleyton has accepted the invitation.

"It is great news for the tournament, and Lleyton feels he wants to try this preparation (for the Australian Open) again."

Dellacqua, who comes from Perth, burst onto the scene at this year's Australian Open when she beat both Patty Schnyder and Amelie Mauresmo to reach the fourth round.

(Reporting by Andrew Stevens, editing by Martin Petty)