Hewitt loving every minute

Former champion Lleyton Hewitt is playing every game as if it could be his last as he prepares for his second-round clash against Spain's Albert Montanes at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Hewitt's season has been ravaged by a hip injury and resulted in him coming to SW19 as the lowly 20th seed.

And he admitted ahead of his Court Two clash: "With so many injuries, you just never know what's around the corner."

"Two months ago there were probably quite a few doubts whether I would be able to play here at all. But it doesn't cross my mind. I'm thankful that I'm here this year and enjoying it," he added.

The top billing that used to be Hewitt's will on Wednesday be assumed by third seed Novak Djokovic, who meets enigmatic Russian Marat Safin in what could prove a Centre Court blockbuster.

Meanwhile, Roger Federer continues his title defence against talented Swede Robin Soderling and admits he could face a tougher test than his first-round stroll against Dominik Hrbaty.

Federer said: "Robin is a dangerous player because on a particular day he could play top 10 without a problem. He's a dangerous player and I won't underestimate him, that's for sure."

Meanwhile second seed Rafael Nadal looks forward to a well-deserved day off after opening his challenge for the Wimbledon crown with a straight-sets win over qualifier Andreas Beck.

Nadal showed signs of significant improvement in his 6-4 6-4 7-6 (7/0) victory and the French Open and Artois champion says he feels he has made an overall improvement since last year's final challenge.

He said: "I have reached the Wimbledon final for the last two years so it is very difficult to say I am a better player. But I am a more complete player because I have more options."