Lleyton Hewitt has been forced to reshuffle his Davis Cup squad for this weekend’s crucial clash with Sweden, following the withdrawal of both Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson due to injury. Thanasi Kokkinakis is also in extreme doubt, leaving Alex de Minaur as the country’s main hope in singles.
Hewitt’s decision to select Kyrgios in his squad earlier this month came as a surprise, marking the player’s potential return to the Davis Cup after a five-year absence. Kyrgios had previously distanced himself from the competition, citing dissatisfaction with the way Australian fans treated him at the Australian Open. However, the 29-year-old expressed interest in rejoining the team, and Hewitt responded by naming him in the squad.
Unfortunately, Kyrgios has been dealing with an abdominal injury sustained during the Australian summer, and although he played through the pain at the Australian Open, he ultimately lost in the first round. Despite his desire to compete against Sweden, his injury has ruled him out.
Kokkinakis, who was meant to partner with Kyrgios in doubles, is also recovering from a pectoral injury and may require surgery soon. Though he will travel to Sweden, it is unlikely that he will take part in the match.
Jordan Thompson, another key player, has been sidelined with a foot injury, and Alexei Popyrin was also dealing with a glute issue, further complicating Hewitt’s squad choices.
As a result, Hewitt has called up Aleksandar Vukic, who recently surged to a career-high ATP ranking of World No. 66 after reaching the third round of the Australian Open. Doubles veterans John Peers and Matt Ebden, who won gold at the Paris Olympics, have also been recalled. Initially left out of the squad to make room for Kyrgios, the pair will now play the doubles match against Sweden.
Ebden revealed that Hewitt had explained his decision to leave him and Peers out originally, giving Kyrgios the opportunity to prove his fitness. However, with Kyrgios now forced to withdraw, the gold medal duo will step in.
De Minaur, Australia’s No. 1 singles player, will lead the team in the singles rubbers, while Vukic will be a valuable replacement if Kokkinakis is unable to play. Kyrgios has since announced on social media that he is aiming to return to the court in March for the Indian Wells tournament in California.
