As uncertainty grows over the health of Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, Australian coach Jason Stoltenberg has suggested that Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt could play in the tie.
Hewitt retired from the ATP Tour in January at the Australian Open. The 35-year-old has stayed committed to tennis after being confirmed as the new captain of the Australian Davis Cup team at the start of the year. In his first tie as captain of the team, Hewitt finds himself in a difficult situation concerning health problems with Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios.
Tomic is currently struggling with a wrist injury and Kyrgios is trying to overcome a virus. Tomic has recently stated that he intends to play in his team’s upcoming tie against the USA, however, Kyrgios is still an uncertainty. Kyrgios’ mother, Nill, spoke about her son’s current health.
“He’s a bit tired, he’s still getting over the virus – he’s trying his best,” she was quoted by ABC Australia saying.
“It was hard to get him here … I think around the boys, it’s going to be a discussion [about whether he’ll play.”
Kyrgios returned to action on Wednesday by practicing on the grass courts in Kooyoung. It is understood that his training session on Wednesday was the first time he has picked up a racket since Dubai due to the virus.
If Kyrgios is unable to play, there is a possibility that Hewitt could come out of his short retirement to return to the tie. The Australian has one of the greatest records in Davis Cup history, producing a win-loss record of 58-20. Rumors of Hewitt potentially playing in the upcoming tie began to circulate following comments made by Australian coach Jason Stolenberg.
“It’s probably the first time that a captain has actually had to get out and prepare as if he may play”. Stoltenberg told Australian media.
“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 don’t expect that he’ll play but we’ll have to wait and see over the next 24 hours.
“He’s a thinker, he thinks ahead and he’s pretty organised. I’d say that … he’s just covering all of his bases.” He concluded.
As Stoltenberg appeared to be setting the motion for an unexpected Hewitt return, he later cooled down the speculation. When asked if Hewitt’s participation has been discussed, he replied ‘No, not really’.
The team has until 9am on Thursday to name their finalized team for their upcoming Davis Cup meeting.
