JOHANNESBURG: Retiring Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt has said that it would be a tough deal to compete in the last tournament of his career, describing it as `a tad strange` feeling.
The former world number one had earlier announced that the Australian Open would be his last tournament.
Reflecting on the same, Hewitt said that he was trying hard to control his emotions, adding that he was looking forward to the match.
Hewitt got a draw against James Duckworth, with whom he has spent years mentoring, for the opening match at the Australian Open.
Describing the clash against Duckworth as ` awkward`, Hewitt said that he had been helping him from the last few years and added that it would be fun to play against the latter.
The draw against the callow Duckworth provides Hewitt with a chance to extend his farewell into the second round.
The Australian Open will be played from January 18 to January 31.