Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt has postponed an operation to cure a mystery ailment so that he can play this month's Australian Open.
The world number seven said he had decided to defer the operation until after the first grand slam of 2001 after doctors told him his future health was not at risk.
"They can't guarantee I'd be 100 per cent after the surgery...and they don't think I can make it worse (by playing)," Hewitt said. "So at this stage it's not an option."
The 19-year-old Hewitt has been plagued by breathing problems in recent months and has been told surgery could be the answer after CAT scans revealed he had a blocked sinus.
Hewitt said he could be out of action for up to a month after the operation - forcing him to miss the January 15-28 Australian Open. He is looking at alternative ways to heal himself.
Speaking after he beat Wayne Arthurs 6-7 7-6 6-2 in the first-round of the Sydney international today, Hewitt said he had stopped playing doubles and was taking a mix of medication including tablets and nasal sprays to help his breathing.
"I'm doing everything possible to get away from surgery," he said.
Hewitt showed no side-effects of his ailment as he doggedly fought his way back to beat Arthurs in a testing first-up clash at Sydney's Olympic tennis centre.
The defending champion surged ahead in the decisive third set after the two Australians split the first two in tiebreakers. He meets another Australian, Andrew Ilie, in the second round. - Reuters