Hewitt to open for Aus against China

Australia veteran Lleyton Hewitt will take on China's top-ranked player Zhang Ze in the opening singles match of the Asia-Oceania Davis Cup playoff on Friday.

The draw held Thursday also has Australia's Bernard Tomic playing China's Wu Di in the other opening singles match on grass at the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club outside Melbourne.

Hewitt, who turns 31 later this month, is playing in his 32nd Davis Cup tie for Australia, equaling the record set by former teammate and doubles specialist Todd Woodbridge.

Australian captain Pat Rafter also has Hewitt scheduled to play doubles on Saturday with Chris Guccione against Zhang and Li Zhe.

The reverse singles are on Sunday. The winner advances to the final round of Asia-Oceania qualifying.