LONDON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Lleyton Hewitt of Australia and Sebastien Grosjean of France will do battle in the Davis Cup Final later this month as teams were announced Tuesday by the International Tennis Federation.
Hewitt defeated Grosjean in the final of the Tennis Masters Cup in Sydney in a preview of Australia's encounter with France in the Davis Cup Final to be held on grass at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park from November 30-December 2.
In addition to Hewitt, the U.S. Open champion who finished the ATP season as the youngest No. 1 ever, Patrick Rafter and doubles players Wayne Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge will play for Australia, which is playing in its third straight final.
The Aussies defeated France in 1999 for its 27th cup victory but fell to Spain in last year's final.
"It hurt a lot losing in the final," Hewitt said of last year's defeat. "I love playing Davis Cup. For me, it doesn't get much better. I want to go out there and I'm going to give it everything I've got and I think we've got the team to get over the line."
Rafter was injured during Australia's victory over France two years ago in Nice and will likely be playing in his last Davis Cup tie.
"Every Davis Cup match is tough," he said. "You can never underestimate any of your opponents when you play for your country. Everyone seems to find another lift in their game and I don't expect France to be any different. I expect them to come out very hard and fast and we are going to have to stay with them."
Grosjean lost to Hewitt twice last week and is just 2-5 against him. Joining him on the French team will be Australian Open finalist Arnaud Clement, Nicolas Escude and Fabrice Santoro.
France is 3-10 against Australia in Davis Cup play and has won eight times in this international competition.
