Hewitt sets targets on Davis Cup victory

Lleyton Hewitt says his major goal for the year is still in front of him despite winning his first grand slam title and finishing the season as world number one.

The 20-year-old Australian confirmed his place as the new king of men's tennis when he followed up his U.S. Open victory by winning the season-ending Masters Cup to finish the year on top of the rankings.

But Hewitt said he wouldn't be totally happy unless he helped Australia win next week's Davis Cup final against France.

"The important thing is I can't let it go to my head too much," Hewitt said.

"I've got to put my head down and try and finish off the year with a Davis Cup win. That would be a great way to finish the year for me."

Hewitt has won 17 of his 21 Davis Cup matches for Australia but does not have great memories of the two finals he appeared in.

He was a member of the Australian team that beat France in the 1999 Davis Cup final but lost his two singles matches as Mark Philippoussis carried the team to victory.

He did win his opening singles match in last year's final against Spain but lost his reverse singles to Juan Carlos Ferrero to give the Spanish their first title.

Hewitt said he enjoyed Davis Cup more than regular events and was desperate to make amends this year.

"I grew up and I wanted to play football and that's a team sport and the only opportunity that I get to come together as a team and really show your colours in the locker room...is in Davis Cup," Hewitt said.

"That's why I love it so much and I think that's one of the main reasons I play so well in Davis Cup.

Hewitt beat French number one Sebastien Grosjean twice during the Masters Cup, including the final, but said he his domination on the indoor court used for that tournament would have little bearing when they meet on grass at the Davis Cup in

Melbourne from November 30 to December 2.

"We're playing on a totally different surface so the sooner I get on grass the better," Hewitt said.

"Grass isn't his (Grosjean's) favourite surface but he plays extremely well in Davis Cup for his country and I think he's going to perform pretty well. It's going to be an extremely tough tie to pick."

Despite his two losses to Hewitt, Grosjean said his victories over Andre Agassi and Australia's Patrick Rafter had boosted his confidence for the Davis Cup and he was upbeat about his team's prospects.

"I think I played some pretty good tennis, so it's looking really good for the Davis Cup," Grosjean said.

"I don't think (losing to Hewitt) makes any difference because we'll be playing in a totally different competition."