Hewitt is hoping to improve his form on clay

"I feel fit and strong enough to play the Masters in Rome and Hamburg and the World Team Cup," said Hewitt, whose least favourite surface is clay.

"By the French Open I should be hitting the ball well and hopefully have won a few tight matches as well."

Hewitt has seen his world ranking drop to 19th in the last year.

His last Grand Slam title came at Wimbledon in 2002, and the furthest he has advanced at the French Open is the quarter-finals in 2001.

The Australian played a limited schedule last season, concentrating on his country's successful Davis Cup run.

However, with Australia losing in this year's first round, Hewitt is committed to regaining his place in the world's top 10, starting with a successful run at the French Open.

"This year I am playing more tournaments than probably I have ever played before leading into the French," he said.

"Hopefully, that will be a benefit."

Hewitt went out of the Monte Carlo Masters in the third round on Thursday, losing a tight three-set encounter with Rainer Schuettler.

"I didn't have high expectations coming here but I wanted to get some matches and get used to the clay surface and the whole mindset of playing on clay," said Hewitt.

"I played pretty well during the three matches here but I wouldn't mind starting like I played in the second and third sets in the three matches here.