The Australian is joined in the starting line-up by the man he beat in last year's final, Tim Henman, and defending Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic.

Hewitt, the current world number one, said he was relishing the opportunity of getting back playing on grass.

He said: "As soon as I pick up my racquet and get on the grass at the Stella I feel match tough. I made the semis in 1999, and the next two years I won the title.

"In my opinion they are the best grass courts in the world - the bounce is true and the ball really comes onto your racquet."

British attentions will be on Henman, who has twice been a beaten finalist, and Greg Rusedski.

And Henman revealed Rusedski would be among his major rivals to win the title.

He said: "With the likes of Hewitt and Rusedski, there will be a lot of guys capable of playing good tennis on grass.

"Hewitt has won the last two years but I've been to the final twice and I'll be looking to go one better this year."

Ivanisevic has also confirmed he will play, as he warms up for a defence of his Wimbledon title.

Ninenteen of the last 21 winners at Queen's have clinched victory at Wimbledon.

Among those hoping to repeat that feat is Pete Sampras, who along with Juan Carlos Ferrero, has asked for a wildcard into the tournament.

Sampras, though, has failed to recapture his best grass court form.

At the weekend he lost to Spain's Alex Corretja in his Davis Cup singles rubber, ominously enough on grass exported from Queen's.