Lleyton Hewitt insists he has little interest in the world rankings after ending 2007 out of the top 20.

The 26-year-old two-time Grand Slam winner is now ranked 21 in the world - his lowest position in the ATP list since he burst onto the scene back in 1999.

However, despite a disappointing injury-troubled year, Hewitt believes he still stands shoulder to shoulder with the best players.

And with a month to go until the start of the Australian Open in Melbourne, the Sydney-born star is focused on proving his worth once again.

"I still feel like when I'm playing at my best that I'm definitely in the top five players in the world, even with the results that I've had in 2007," Hewitt told Australia's Daily Telegraph.

"I should have beaten Rafael Nadal in Hamburg - I lost 7-5 in the third to him on clay, on his favourite surface, when no one could really get close to him this year on clay.

"Then in Cincinnati, I led Roger Federer a break in the third set and ended up losing 7-6 in the third in a tight tie-break. So I had my chances against the best guys in the world on their favourite surfaces this year.

"It's just a matter of taking those chances and going on with it.

"I feel like if I can get over the niggling injuries and get the body right, then I'm halfway home."