For Lleyton Hewitt, the journey is finally coming to an end. The former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion has one last chance to dazzle his grateful and loving fans down under, in his home-nation of Australia. The 34-year-old Hewitt strategically planned for his 20th Australian Open to be his final tournament in what has been an illustrious career. There is no doubt that this will be an emotional match, as each time he takes the court, he and everyone else knows that it could be his last. To make matters even more awkward for Hewitt and the Aussie fans, he is facing a fellow Australian and mentee, James Duckworth, in round one.

"Rusty" Prepares to Say Goodbye to Tennis

Saying goodbye to the sport you love is never easy, especially after 18 seasons on the professional tour. Lleyton Hewitt has made history, has rallied a nation, and most importantly, has brought people joy. He has made mistakes along the way, always finding controversy, but in the end, he will be remembered for the great player he was. He became the youngest player to reach the number one ranking at age 20. He has won 30 titles. He won two grand slam titles, the 2001 US Open and Wimbledon in 2002.

In addition to his personal titles, he rallied his nation of Australia to two Davis Cup titles, in 1999 and 2003. While not everyone has enjoyed Hewitt's style, no one will ever doubt his passion, fight, and love for the game of tennis. While Hewitt will retire from his playing-days, he will not be done with the game itself. Earlier in 2015, it was announced that Hewitt would become Australia's Davis Cup captain, beginning this season. 

Duckworth Dreads Sending Hewitt into Retirement

There is no doubt that this match will be an awkward one for the 23-year-old Aussie. Not only is he playing the great Hewitt in his final tournament, but he also looks up to Hewitt as a mentor of many years. Duckworth has admitted this publicly that he is nervous about facing Hewitt this way, but knows that he will compete to win, as all competitors do, no matter who is across the net. When confronted about this possibility of ending Hewitt's career, Duckworth explained, "I guess if I win, I’ll apologize to him. But, yeah, I’m going to have to put that out of my mind and go out there and try to play my game, give it my best shot.”

Duckworth's Start to 2016

Duckworth is currently ranked 129th in the world as he enters his fifth main draw appearance in Melbourne. He has never advanced past the second-round, however. He got his ranking into the top 100 last season, but finished outside of the group at the end of the season. This season, he began his campaign in Brisbane at the Brisbane International, losing in round one to Dominic Thiem. He did, however, reach the finals in men's doubles, partnering with Chris Guccione, but the pair lost to Henri Kontinen and John Peers. Duckworth received a wildcard into the Apia International Sydney, but lost in the round-of-16 to Jeremy Chardy. 

Hewitt's Final Start to the Season

After Hewitt announced his intentions to retire after this year's Australian Open, he later added the Hopman Cup and the World Tennis Challenge exhibition to his schedule. Neither tournament was a part of the ATP World Tour, in which Hewitt is currently ranked number 308. Hewitt hopes to make one final magical run in Melbourne before bowing-out.

Match Analysis

This will be an emotional, yet entertaining match. Duckworth is young and has plenty of potential. Hewitt will put it all on-the-line for the final time. This match will be beyond sold out and will be watched by most in Australia. Many top players, including friend Roger Federer, acknowledged Hewitt's great career, and are excited to see this match. Expect both players to play well as all of Australia watches-on. The question on everyone's minds is whether or not Hewitt can make one last run.

Prediction: Hewitt in five sets