Former Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt and present Roger Federer enjoyed a nice casual hitting session interspersed with some sporadic history talk between the two.

As the two practised, military workers, volunteers and even WTA World No.1 Victoria Azarenka were drawn to the casual 90 minutes of hitting between the two tennis veterans. Aussie Coach Todd Woodbridge said that their banter was just as interesting as the hitting session.

Hewitt and Federer not only share the experience of winning Wimbledon and the top ranking in the world but also share a passion about the history of the sport, said Woodbridge.

"It is interesting with Roger, he is a pretty relaxed character and he actually makes practice quite enjoyable and fun," he said.

"The two of them were really talking about old times, going back to their junior days and youth and who made it and who didn’t and really sort of going over the last parts of their career.

"It was interesting to see both Roger and Lleyton because they are both historians of the game.

"There are a lot of young kids who have come along now who don’t have much of an idea about who won what and when and those two can name names from everywhere.
"It is really fun and impressive to be with them and around them when they are like that."

The two Wimbledon veterans found the courts playing hard and fast just a fortnight after the All-England championships.

Woodbridge said, Hewitt has been doing well off late and looks in great shape and that if he has the luck of the draw, the Aussie could do well.

"I think he is hitting the ball terrific playing against Roger today, who was hitting the ball extraordinarily well," Woodbridge said.

"Lleyton is moving better than he was here four weeks ago. He is the best I have seen him for a long time. It has been years since he was pain free.

"If he can get a reasonable draw he is certainly hitting the ball well enough to go into the tournament."

The best-of-three set format of the Olympic event could help Hewitt "at this stage of his career."

"The game has got really big and there are bugs out there who go for their shots. He can keep with them and do that a little easier than if they overpower him in a five-setter."

While Hewitt is bitterly disappointed to have been denied a wild card to play men's doubles at the Olympics, Woodbridge said he might still be accepted into the mixed doubles.

The 16-strong field will be drawn next week when each country decides its entrants, and there is a chance that Hewitt could be submitted with Sam Stosur or one of the three other Australian women who are registered to play doubles.

"I think Lleyton is up for a medal and if he could get a medal in any way, shape or form he will take it, so if it means he can get out there in the mixed think he will have a go," said Woodbridge.