NO-ONE could accuse Lleyton Hewitt of being a quitter but when he steps on to the grass at Wimbledon later this month, it will be for the 17th and final time.

It is 13 years since the Australian won SW19, beating David Nalbandian in a one-sided final to win his second grand slam title. A gifted mover and a man who never knew when he was beaten, five surgeries in six years have taken their toll and he will sign off for good after next year's Australian Open, his 20th in a row.

He won the US Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002, finishing each year as the world No.1. He helped Australia to two Davis Cup victories and 30 career titles and though there might have been more, he is happy with his lot.

"It's easy to sit back and say [I could have won more] but Roger went out there," said Hewitt, who will warm up for Wimbledon in next week's Aegon Championships, where he has won the title four times.

"I'm sure Andy Roddick thinks he could have won some more, too. Even [Andy] Murray. There are a lot of guys who can say that. Obviously, Roger was so dominant for so many years there. It was pretty hard for anyone to win any other slams."

Hewitt singled out the 2001 US Open, when he crushed Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the semi-finals before ripping apart Pete Sampras in the final, as his best performances.

But winning Wimbledon the following year, he said, was the highlight of his career.

"Wimbledon [was] the one I always wanted to win. Beating Nalbandian didn't have the same [kudos as beating Sampras] but it doesn't get any better than winning Wimbledon."

Now ranked 112, Hewitt will need a wildcard this time round but though he won't win it, he thinks Murray has a great chance to do it again.

"Andy's playing really well at the moment," he said. "Best I've seen him play in a couple of years. He's moving [well] and I think the surface suits his game.

"Novak [Djokovic] is obviously great on everything, but I think in terms of versatility, changing pace, looking to come forward, I think Andy and Roger [Federer] are the two that stand out with the surface. Andy will be tough to beat. I think he'll be up there."