Newly appointed Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt has revealed the team for Australia’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against the USA.
The Australian team will feature Nick Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic, Sam Groth and doubles specialist John Peers. Peers, who is currently ranked 9th in the world in doubles, has been brought into the team to help fight against the formidable Bryan brothers.
Some members of the team have already experienced success on the tour this year. Kyrgios recently defeated former US Open champion Marin Cilic to win his maiden ATP title at the Open 13 in Marseille, France. Meanwhile, Peers were triumphant at the Brisbane International when he clinched the doubles title alongside Finish player Henri Kontinen. The two also recently reached the quarterfinals in Rotterdam.
Speaking about his inclusion of Peers, Hewitt said that having a doubles specialist would be a huge boost to the team. The former world No.1 admitted that his team will be the ‘underdogs’ but hopes the experience of Peers will help the team in their clash against the Bryan brothers.
“Obviously the doubles is always a crucial match, but I feel at the moment we’re going to be slight underdogs no matter who we put in, purely [because] we’re expecting the Bryans are gonna be on the other side of the net”. Hewitt said.
“”But John has played them in a lot of matches and a lot of big matches over the last two or three years now and I think he’ll feel comfortable playing against those guys, and then obviously we have options with the doubles, depending on which way we go and which team we pick.”
Peers’ recent record against the American brothers isn’t an encouraging one. He has played the duo on the tour three times since march, losing all three of them. On the other hand, Peers have defeated them twice in the past year when they wasn’t playing together.
Thanasi Kokkinakis will not feature in the tie due to injury. The 19-year-old underwent shoulder surgery in December and is still recovering from the procedure.
It is reported that Kyrgios and Tomic will play the singles matches, whilst Peers with team up with Groth for the doubles.
Australia’s home tie against the USA will take place at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on grass. It will be the first meeting between the two countries since 1999 and the first time Australia has hosted the Americans since 1993.
