LIEGE (Belgium), Feb 8: Australia will count on a possible three-day effort from stalwart Lleyton Hewitt as the 28-time champions face Belgium starting on Friday in a Davis Cup World Group first-round tie.

Hewitt will open the tie on indoor clay against Kristof Vliegen in a first-time meeting for the pair.

Chris Guccione plays Olivier Rochus on the opening day at the Country Hall du Sart-Tilman in the hills outside this riverside city.

Hewitt has been a career-long supporter of Australian Davis Cup efforts and could use a solid, winning performance this weekend to kick-start a ranking which has dropped to 18th.

Australian captain John Fitzgerald has no hesitation in naming the feisty Hewitt as his main hope in snowy Belgium.

“He's our spearhead, that's no secret,” said the captain, who plans to team Hewitt with Paul Hanley in Saturday doubles against Dick Norman and Christophe Rochus in the hip injury absence of veteran Wayne Arthurs.

“He’s been the best Davis Cup player in the world over the past six or seven years. We’re glad to have him on our team. He’s a great presence on the court.”

Hewitt, who made his Davis Cup debut in 1999, stands 28-7 in singles as he faces Vliegen for the first time. “My focus this week is to get as many wins as possible,” said the former number one.

Fitzgerald reserved the right to possibly give Hewitt a day off if the winning momentum kicks in early.

Australia own a 2-0 record against Belgium but one of those ties is ancient history after being contested in 1922. The Aussies secured a 5-0 sweep in Perth 16 years ago.—AFP