London, June 18: It is a moment only a handful of the world's best ever get a chance to experience and Lleyton Hewitt is relishing the imminent arrival of his turn to savour it.
Walking out on to Wimbledon's centre court as defending champion is exactly the kind of thrill the Australian dreamed off as he honed the skills and extraordinary mental resilience that have driven him to the top of the men's game. Now, as monday's start to the defense of the title that means more to him than any other, the first tingles of nervous excitement have begun to kick in. "Its going to be a special momement", the 22-year-old said. "Winning that final last year was something I'd dreamed about it and that's what comes with it. It's part of the tradition of winning the tournament here.
"Its a buzz just to walk in the place - you can feel the tradition. If there is one place I'd like to walk back in as champion it's here. It's a real special feeling".

For all his ability to ensconce himself in something akin to a fiercely competitive trance while out on court, Hewitt is not immune to nerves.

It has however been Davis cup matches which have tended to get under his skin in the past and his two grand slam finals to date -- the 2001 US open and last year at Wimbledon -- have both concluded with accomplished victories.

"You can't help thinking about what you're playing for but I blocked it out as much as possible", he said.

Bureau Report