Lleyton Hewitt has been given a wildcard for the Australian Open next month.
The 30-year-old, who has suffered a number of injuries in recent years, was chosen by tournament director Craig Tiley.
"His passion and commitment to the game is second to none," ESPN quotes Tiley as saying. "We are delighted to offer him a wildcard for 2012.
"Lleyton has had some bad luck with injury recently which has seen his ranking drop, but he has proved time and time again that he can never be discounted, particularly in a big match."
The former world number one was forced to undergo a hip operation and missed three months of playing time while recovering from the surgery.
