At the turn of the century, Lleyton Hewitt was probably the hottest property in tennis. Firmly in the saddle, the Aussie finished as World No 1 for two straight years, including a brilliant streak of 75 weeks.

Owner of 26 singles titles, including two Slams — the US Open (2001) and Wimbledon (2002) — Hewitt's slide began in the last couple of years, the arrival of a certain Roger Federer being one of the factors.

A fiercely competitive player, it has been his desire to win, to give 200 percent on court that had seen him reach the pinnacle. That is what the once temperamental Aussie relies on to get back to the top. He showed flashes of that competitive streak last week at the Kingfisher Airlines Open in Mumbai.

The World No 21, coming off a viral infection which forced him out of his country's reverse singles in the Davis Cup World Group play-off against Serbia, the 26-year-old gave it his all, but German Rainer Schuettler cut short the Aussie's maiden trip to India in the quarterfinals.

The Aussie, however, put that defeat behind him and instead said he was looking forward to the journey back to the top. During an interaction with the media, he spoke on a variety of topics ranging from his game, the Grand Slams, Davis Cup, and even fatherhood.

Excerpts:

On his game: Tony Roche (coach) and I are working on different areas of my game. Now the big thing for me is doing well in the Australian Open. That's where all my focus is from now and every match that I play until the Aussie Open in January is focused around what I want to do there.

Yeah, I'm working on small areas in my game and whether coming to the net more or serving differently or whatever. Yes, small areas that we are working on and hopefully it pays off.

On his goals for the season: No, not this year. Next year, yeah, I want to be in the top. I want to put myself in contention for the Grand Slams and want to win. That's my biggest goal and that's what drives me. That's the motivation.

Couple of weeks ago, I was close to beating (Roger) Federer in Cincinnati. I led a break in the third set. I'm definitely playing my best and I'm not all that far away.

On his future: Just ask my body. Yeah, a lot depends on the body. Well, the motivation is there then you have to still enjoy playing and getting out and competing.

On the Davis Cup defeat: Davis Cup always takes a lot out of you. It means a lot to me. I put my heart and soul in representing my country and pride myself on giving it my 100 percent. I was very disappointed at the way my weekend went against Serbia but then I couldn't even get out of bed. It was pointless in even trying.

On the legacy of Davis Cup: We have a very rich tradition in Davis Cup. I think is after 10 years that we aren't in the World Group. We made four finals in five years. So everyone knows it's a cycle, we've been riding a wave. There was (Pat) Rafter, (Mark) Philippoussis, me and the Woodies in doubles… Australia had their good days.

On the future of Australian tennis: At the moment we are struggling. We have such a rich tradition of Grand Slam champions, some of the best coaches in the world. But then there are other sports which are very popular too…

On fatherhood: It's just fantastic in life in general. Words are hard to describe, but it is amazing. That is the best thing that can happen to you and it really is life changing. They take priority as well.

On his improved behaviour: Whether it is having your family or not I don't know, it's probably I'm mature as a person now. I think everyone does. I have been in the game for a long time now and you are in the spotlight and in front of the public. Everyone sees how you are acting and how you are on the tennis courts. That's how you are off the court as well. Yeah, it's probably the biggest change. 

On his coach Tony Roche: We haven't spent a lot of time together. We have had just a few weeks in Sydney. Couple of times so far, but it's been great. Tony and I get along really well. We have a lot of respect for each other and won a Davis Cup when he was Davis Cup coach. He was fantastic. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He is really and truly one of the best for me. He knows my game as well as anyone and knows my personality as well. So, I think it is going to be a good mix.