LLEYTON Hewitt has a new opponent for his Tasmanian exhibition match, with Newcombe medallist Sam Groth taking the place of Thanasi Kokkinakis.
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Event promoter and former Launceston resident David Drysdale said that shoulder issues were impacting Kokkinakis, and it was in the best interest of his Australian summer if he withdrew.
The fast-serving Groth and Hewitt helped bring Australia back from the dead in their David Cup quarter-final against Kazakhstan in Darwin in July.
Groth's year has seen him defeat several top 30 players, and also took Hewitt's scalp in January.
Groth has the fastest serve on record at 263 kmh
"It's always an honour to play against Lleyton and I'm looking forward to doing so in Hobart next week. It will be a great hit out for me, and my only real match practice leading into the Australian summer, so I will be going full steam for sure", Groth said.
Hewitt thanked Groth for agreeing to play. "It is the best decision for Thanasi to ensure he is right for January, and I thank Sam for stepping in to play. Sam has had a great year, but I will be out for revenge from Brisbane so he better look out!" Hewitt said.
The match will be played at the Domain Tennis Centre on December 18, with the venue close to selling out.
