But the feisty Australian will have bigger things to worry about on Centre Court if the 2001 champion gets his mighty serve firing.
"I think he saves his best for this tournament," the 2002 winner said. "Obviously, this is his last time coming here and he's going to throw everything he's got at it.
"I'm going to have to step it up a notch and hopefully I can get over."
Ivanisevic, who has not played here since beating Hewitt's good friend and Davis Cup team mate Pat Rafter in that 2001 final, has nothing to lose and knows it.
He is retiring from tennis after this tournament and wants to go out with a bang.
"It's a match that I have nothing to lose. He's one of the best players in the world. Okay, lately he hasn't been playing well but his form is coming back," the Croatian said.
"If I win, it's great for me. I'm just going to go out and enjoy myself here.
"I'm going to have to serve well and volley very well. I'm going to be under pressure all the time.
"We've played twice already, both times on grass and both times I didn't win a set. He's the favourite for sure but with me you never know. When I have my day, then I can be dangerous."
The crowd will be firmly behind Ivanisevic.
"Oh, doesn't worry me, mate," the combative Hewitt said. "I go out there, just going to focus on my game."
"I think he saves his best for this tournament. Obviously, this is his last time coming here and he's going to throw everything he's got at it."
"He's fortunate that he's got that kind of game that suits a grass court so well. So he can go out there and win off his serve, you know, a lot of cheap points."
"He's only got to play a few good games on the other guy's serve and he's got a set here and there."
