Nick Kyrgios is poised for a sensational return to Australia’s Davis Cup team, marking his first appearance for the squad in more than five years. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has been named by captain Lleyton Hewitt as part of the team for the qualifying tie against Sweden, scheduled for January 31 and February 1, 2024, at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm.
His inclusion in the four-man squad has surprised many, especially considering the 29-year-old's previous detachment from the competition, having last participated against Belgium back in November 2019. During the interim, Kyrgios expressed little interest in the Davis Cup, often focusing instead on exhibitions and lucrative events, citing feelings of estrangement from Australian tennis fans.
Kyrgios has openly shared his struggles with perceptions of him within the tennis community. “Maybe if Australia embraced me a little bit more, I would play ... but who knows?” he remarked recently, reflecting on his past reluctance to compete for his country. He has previously preferred to showcase his talents at high-paying events rather than face criticism at home.
Alongside regulars Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, and Thanasi Kokkinakis, Kyrgios hopes to help lead Australia back to success. The Australian team reached the finals of the Davis Cup tournament in 2022 and 2023, as well as last November’s semi-final. Yet, Kyrgios's health remains uncertain after extensive surgery on his wrist earlier this year.
After making his return to competitive tennis at the Brisbane International, where he played his first singles match in 18 months, Kyrgios admitted, “I think I almost need a miracle, and I need, like, the stars to align for my wrist to hold up.” Following his first match, he experienced significant discomfort, leading to doubts about his fitness for the upcoming Australian Open.
Kyrgios's wrist surgeries have been unprecedented, with him noting, “I’ve got six holes in my hand and one in my arm... Not one tennis player has ever had this surgery and come back and tried to play again,” emphasizing the experimental nature of his recovery process.
Despite these concerns, team captain Hewitt is hopeful for Kyrgios's contribution, particularly in the doubles segment, where Kyrgios previously achieved great success. He and Kokkinakis claimed the Australian Open doubles title together, showcasing their chemistry and effectiveness on the court.
The upcoming Davis Cup tie pits Australia against Sweden, and the Australian team has emerged as overwhelming favorites. Aiding their cause is de Minaur's current world ranking of No. 8 and Thompson's No. 27 ranking. On the other hand, Sweden fields players like Elias Ymer, whose ranking is as low as 327, and Leo Borg, who is ranked 543.
There have been murmurs of discord between Kyrgios and Hewitt following Kyrgios's comments aimed at Hewitt's son, Cruz. After Cruz posted a picture with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Kyrgios commented, “Love ya Cruz but this is wild,” prompting speculation about underlying tensions. While many interpreted these comments negatively, Kyrgios later clarified they were meant as humor, displaying his characteristic blend of candor and controversy.
This selection by Hewitt demonstrates not only Kyrgios’s reintegration but potentially signals renewed reconciliation with the Australian tennis community. Following his history of taking part in headlining exhibition matches instead of national duty, Kyrgios faces the challenge of channeling his talents and frustrations positively as part of the Davis Cup team.
The expectation is high as Australia hopes to overcome challenges posed by their competitors, and whether Kyrgios can bring the experience and skill required remains to be seen. Regardless, his mere presence amplifies the storyline surrounding the Davis Cup tie against Sweden, firmly placing Kyrgios back at the forefront of Australian tennis.
The tennis world eagerly awaits the February match-up, hoping to witness Kyrgios's ability not only to compete but to help regain and solidify Australia's standing on the international tennis stage. It’s not just about winning matches; it's about Kyrgios proving he’s ready and determined to wear the green-and-gold once again.