Lleyton Hewitt.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Former champion Lleyton Hewitt has pulled out of next month's SAP Open in San Jose after undergoing surgery on his right hip.

Hewitt told tournament director Bill Rapp on Saturday that he needed to withdraw.

He had the operation on Thursday and hopes to be back in time to play the French Open.

Hewitt, the 2002 champion and 2006 runner-up, injured his hip at the Hopman Cup this month. A left hip injury caused him to miss most of the 2008 season.

Hewitt says he hopes to return to the event in San Jose next year.