Nick Kyrgios has been named in Australia’s Davis Cup team for the first time since 2019, marking a surprising return after a long absence. The 29-year-old, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, has been recovering from injuries, including wrist surgery in 2023. Despite his lack of interest in representing Australia in recent years, Kyrgios has been selected by captain Lleyton Hewitt for the upcoming Davis Cup qualifier against Sweden, scheduled to begin on January 31 in Stockholm.
Kyrgios, who has not played in the Davis Cup since his match against Belgium in November 2019, has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the negativity surrounding his involvement with the team. However, his selection alongside regulars Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, and Thanasi Kokkinakis indicates a shift in his approach. De Minaur, who has been a consistent performer for Australia, expressed excitement about Kyrgios’s return, emphasizing that the focus remains on playing good tennis and representing Australia with pride.
Kyrgios’s return to the team is a notable development, given his previous reluctance to participate in the Davis Cup. In 2022, he mentioned feeling unappreciated by the Australian public, which led him to prioritize exhibition events over national representation. However, his return could be a significant asset for the team, particularly in doubles, where Kyrgios has a strong record, including an Australian Open title.
Despite his injuries, Kyrgios showed promising signs in his first singles match in 18 months at the Brisbane International, where he competed against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Although he was defeated in three tiebreaks, Kyrgios admitted that his wrist was still causing discomfort, and he expressed uncertainty about his readiness for the Australian Open. Nevertheless, he remains a potential weapon for Australia, particularly in doubles, where his partnership with Novak Djokovic in Brisbane generated significant interest.
The Australian team will be the favorites heading into the qualifier against Sweden, with de Minaur and Thompson leading the charge. Sweden’s team, in contrast, features a much lower-ranked lineup, with Elias Ymer, ranked 327th in the world, as their No 1 singles player. The 21-year-old Leo Borg, son of tennis legend Bjorn Borg, will also be part of the Swedish team, ranked No 543.
As the Davis Cup tie approaches, the Australian team is focused on preparation, with Hewitt still having the option to make adjustments to the squad based on player performance in the Australian Open. Kyrgios’s inclusion adds an element of intrigue to the tie, and his potential impact, especially in doubles, could prove pivotal for Australia’s success in the competition.
