Lleyton Hewitt, Australia’s Davis Cup captain has played down concerns to singles players Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic ahead of their crucial Davis Cup tie against the United States of America on Friday.
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Kyrgios’ mother, Nill, spoke of the “terrible” virus her son had dealt with since pulling out of last week’s semifinal against Stan Wawrinka in Dubai. Groth, who has been practicing with Hewitt, said he is in the condition to play all three days of tennis action if given the opportunity.
While Nick Kyrgios was scheduled to have his belated first hit on Kooyong’s grass on Wednesday afternoon, the continued delay stoked the fires of another intriguing possibility: could the recently-retired Lleyton Hewitt be preparing for a comeback? “The biggest thing for them is to get their bodies as close to 100 per cent physically [as they can]”, Hewitt said.
Kyrgios’ mystery illness – so unknown that even Australia’s coaching staff admit they’re unsure of what it is – saw him miss his team’s first two practice sessions, media duties and the official team dinner. I had to strap it on the final when I played and it didn’t bother me to much, but I’m just happy I got here now on time because it was a tough tough schedule to get from Mexico to here in Melbourne.it was like all over the world, so I’m happy I’m here.
“He’s a great team man and he’ll do whatever he needs to do – whether that’s playing or sitting on the side”. We are here to play whether it is as an underdog or overdog. “You’d like him to be here hitting on grass a little bit earlier, but I think one of the things about Nick he can adapt and adjust pretty quickly”. It’s gonna be a lot of quick points, and I’m serving really good and playing very confidently.
Kyrgios and Tomic will take on John Isner (ranked 11) and Jack Sock (24) in the singles, while John Peers will make his Davis Cup debut in the doubles with Sam Groth, the pair facing a tough challenge against doubles specialists Bob and Mike Bryan.
“The guy’s a legend and he’ll step up just fine”. Two-time Grand Slam champion Hewitt only called it quits after a 20-year career during the Australian Open in late January, where he lost in the second round in singles.
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“I’ve had (the wrist injury) since I played (Andy) Murray in the Australian Open. I certainly have expectations on how I want our team to perform but I’m also someone who’s been through these battles enough to know that you can do the best you can and leave it on the court”.
