Australia's Lleyton Hewitt has vowed to wear his "heart on his sleeve" when he embarks on his quest for Olympic gold.
Arriving in Beijing on Tuesday night, the former World No.1 and double grand slam winner told the waiting throng of reporters he's lifted by national pride.
"It's always special. There's something about wearing the green and gold," said Hewitt.
"I always wear my heart on my sleeve out there and I'm sure this going to be nothing different."
Hewitt's manager, David Drysdale, admits the injury Hewitt has carried since Wimbledon isn’t perfect.
"The hip is as good as what it can be," Drysdale said.
"To be honest, we haven't talked that much about it. But he's determined to play. He missed Athens (because of a scheduling worry) after playing Sydney and he really wants to play this time."
Drysdale added that Hewitt, who has been out of action since his straight-sets Wimbledon loss to Roger Federer, also planned to play the US Open which starts on August 25.
The 27-year-old will have further treatment on his painful left hip before his first match here on Sunday or Monday, Drysdale said.
Hewitt, currently ranked 28, was a first-round loser in his only Olympic appearance at Sydney 2000.
