Lleyton Hewitt won't have to contend with chicken pox at the Hopman Cup this time. He might have to play his girlfriend's team, though.

Hewitt will again play with Australian teammate Alicia Molik at the mixed-team tournament in preparation for the Australian Open in January. Last year the pair had to withdraw after the No. 1 player in the world contracted chicken pox.

"I felt I didn't really give the Hopman Cup a true chance last year with the chicken pox," Hewitt said. "I was going really well and I'm sure I would have gone a lot better in the Australian Open if it didn't happen."

Hewitt's girlfriend, Kim Clijsters, will play for Belgium with Xavier Malisse and the couple's teams could meet in the finals.

"With Kim being here, that is another positive," Hewitt said. "I can spend the week with my girlfriend, even if you lose to her."