A Sydney newspaper claimed that tennis star Lleyton Hewitt was neglecting his duties as Young Australian of the Year.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Hewitt, a former Wimbledon winner, has not attended a single function since his appearance at the announcement of the award in January.

The chairman of the National Australia Day Council, which organises the awards, Lisa Curry Kenny, said it was "difficult to get him because he's all over the world".

"It's not a requirement that he do a tour of honour, but it's nice if he can because he's our new role model."

The tennis star's Australian manager, Rob Aivatoglou, said Hewitt had been overseas since February.

"Lleyton has indicated his willingness to do something. It's just a matter of fitting it into his tennis schedule," Mr Aivatoglou said.

"We've indicated that come the end of the year hopefully ... he'll be able to do a few things."

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