Australia’s Davis Cup team boss Lleyton Hewitt (36) concludes his mission in the doubles of the first-round encounter with Germany (2nd place in the Davis Cup). till 4. February) is not off.
The former world number one, who ended his single career two years ago, said on Tuesday in Brisbane:”Maybe we’ll find out on Thursday, I’m in a good mood. I don’t know what the Germans think.”
DTB captain Michael Kohlmann “wouldn’t be surprised” if Hewitt were to make a run for it:”He’s a great guy, a legend of our sport,” said Kohlmann:”We’re ready for anything. The draw will take place on Thursday.
Hewitt and his compatriot Sam Groth reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in Melbourne in doubles. Two years ago, the former Wimbledon champion was the Australian captain in the first round against the United States for the last time as a player for his country.
The hosts are Nick Kyrgios (ATP No. 14), Alex De Minaur (No. 139), Jordan Thompson (No. 102), John Millman (No. 108) and the doubles specialist John Peers, with whom Hewitt had already been on the pitch on Monday. For Germany, the top five in the world rankings Alexander Zverev (Hamburg), Jan-Lennard Struff (Warstein/No. 58), Peter Gojowczyk (Munich/No. 60) and Tim Pütz (Frankfurt) will serve.
Captain Kohlmann sees his team in Brisbane’s Pat-Rafter-Arena as an outsider,”The home advantage already plays a major role. It’s going to be a tight match, but the Australians are sure to be a small favourite,”said the 44-year-old, who will have to give up Mischa Zverev and Philipp Kohlschreiber, both of whom were eliminated in Melbourne after suffering from an infection in the first round.