Australia's world number one Lleyton Hewitt faces a possible fine for not attending an official team news conference on Tuesday to promote this week's first round Davis Cup tie against Britain.

Australia Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald said he had told Hewitt he did not have to attend the Sydney function. However, Tennis Australia (TA) spokesman John Lindsay said the International Tennis Federation (ITF) may fine the Wimbledon champion under Davis Cup guidelines introduced this year.

"We're all trying to work our way through this at the moment because it's a new thing that's been written into the rules," Lindsay said on Wednesday.

"Yes, we probably have (breached regulations) but this is the first one of these press conferences and, like everything new that's introduced, there's teething issues that need overcoming."

Fitzgerald said: "As the world's number one player, he makes himself available for ties regardless of where we are playing and regardless of whether it is a first round or a final.

"If I can make Lleyton's life a little easier, I'm happy to do that, which is why I made this offer (for him not to have to attend the news conference)."

Australia play Britain in Sydney on February 7-9.