Perth, Australia - Lleyton Hewitt made a resounding return after summer hip surgery, clawing Australia back into contention 1-1 with Germany on Monday at the Hopman Cup.

The former number one, now ranked 67th after a slow slide in recent seasons, showed that his August operation is looking like a major medical success as he recovered to defeat Nicolas Kiefer 6-7 (6-8), 6-3, 6-2.

That result combined in a win by German teenager Sabine Lisicki over local heroine Casey Dellacqua 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 sent the tie into the deciding mixed doubles rubber.

In the day's second tie, the defending champion US James Blake and Meghann Shaughnessy were opening against the Slovak Republic with veteran Dominik Hrbaty and Dominika Cibulkova. Hewitt has not played since the Beijing Olympics, when he finally realised that only surgery could cure his chronic hip problem.

"It's good to be back, I was a long time out," said the two-time Grand Slam champion, aged 27. "It's been a long time since I played, I've been hanging for this match for a long time."

The Australian laboured for two hours, 42 minutes to finally wear down the 31-year-old Kiefer, who once stood fourth in the world.

Hewitt converted on seven of 11 break points to keep his nation alive in their first tie.

"Nicolas was a really tough opponent, he's a gritty all-court player," said Hewitt, who finally took control with a late break for 5-2 before serving out the win.

"I hung in well and weathered the storm," he said of the first set, which he lost in a tiebreaker. "It takes a lot of courage to come back from surgery.

"To lose a tight first set and then win convincingly in the second and third is a good start. We had a lot of tough points out there today - I'll take this win."

Hewitt said he was feeling no ill effects from his hip. "It feels strong. I've done everything in my power to get close to 100 per cent in time for the Australian summer.

"I need a lot of tough matches going into the Open, where it's five-setters back-to-back.

The 19-year-old Lisicki got Germany off to the best possible start as she preyed on the nerves of Perth-born Dellacqua.

The German won the battle of debutantes by claiming 12 of the last 13 points, converting on a third on a massive 21 break chances against the Aussie.

"I was just fighting, I wanted to play my best tennis," said the winner. "The first match of the season is never easy to play, especially against Casey here at home. I'm happy with this win."

Dellacqua began her 2008 with an Australian Open quarter-final, then reached the third round at both Paris and Wimbledon and the Paris doubles final.

But a shoulder injury last season forced her out and dictated a change of serving motion during the off-season.

"I'm sure I will be more relaxed in the next match, the shoulder is feeling well. Coming out of a three-set match it's holding up very well. That's good news for me." (dpa)