Kyrgios surprise inclusion in Australia Davis Cup team

Nick Kyrgios is in line for a return to the Davis Cup after five years, being named as a shock selection for Australia by captain Lleyton Hewitt.

Kyrgios last appeared at the tournament in 2019 but has since suffered with injuries, enduring an 18-month lay-off after undergoing wrist surgery in September 2023 before returning for the Brisbane International last week.

The 29-year-old lost on his singles return, suffering a defeat to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a marathon two-and-a-half-hour match last Tuesday before being knocked out in the doubles, where he paired with Novak Djokovic the following day.

He has since cast doubt over his involvement in the Australian Open, which starts on Sunday, saying he was left in "throbbing" pain after that singles match.

World number eight Alex De Minaur, Jordan Thompson and Thanasi Kokkinakis have also been named in the squad.

Australia lost to eventual winners Italy in last year's semi-final and will face Sweden in the first round of qualifiers later this month.

Australia The 2024 finalists' are ready to start the #DavisCup Qualifiers First Round! pic.twitter.com/LuOY4QBn54

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 7, 2025