BEIJING, Jan. 10 -- Lleyton Hewitt, with or without a coach, will still be one of the main title contenders at the Australian Open next week, according to world No. 1 Roger Federer.

Hewitt has had a chaotic buildup to this season's opening grand slam after his coach Roger Rasheed abruptly terminated their partnership last Friday.

His build-up was set back further when he pulled out of this week's Sydney International with a calf strain.

Despite the setbacks, Federer suggested it would be foolish to write off Hewitt's chances of becoming the first Australian man to triumph at the Open since 1976.

"He's healthy, obviously, that's my first concern," Federer said in Melbourne before the invitational Kooyong Classic yesterday.

"I hope he's going to be ready in time for the Open. If he walks on court...I think he's definitely going to be tough to beat and (and he will be) a contender for the title, yes."

Instead of putting in the hours in a gym or on a court, Hewitt was left punching the numbers on his phone as he desperately searched to fill the void left by Rasheed.

Hewitt finally chose his former Davis Cup teammate Scott Draper as coach.

Marat Safin also backed the Adelaide fighter to do well.

"He has a lot of experience as he won two grand slams," said the Russian, who beat Hewitt in the 2005 Australian Open final.