Former world number one Hewitt stepped away from the sport in 2016, given a hero's farewell from an adoring Melbourne Park crowd.

The 36-year-old made a brief comeback in the Davis Cup in March of that year, stepping in alongside John Peers to take on the United States in a first-round doubles clash.

It was confirmed on Thursday the two-time major winner and 2005 Australian Open finalist would return for one final hurrah in January, when he will partner good friend Sam Groth - himself due to play for the last time at Melbourne Park.

"It's going to be a bit of fun, that's what the Australian Open is about," Hewitt told Channel 7 News.

"It's the 'happy slam' to be around and for me going out there in a different way, I'm going to really enjoy it."

"We're not just going out there to make up the numbers, we want to give it a fair crack," added Groth.