3 September 2014 | Tennis West
Big serving Victorian Sam Groth has been named in the Davis Cup team for the first time, alongside Lleyton Hewitt, rising star Nick Kyrgios anddoubles specialist Chris Guccione for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie on grass at Cottesloe Tennis Club next week (12-14 September).
Australian Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter said his team is extremely motivated to win the tie and confidence is high following promising performances at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
“It’s been a big couple of months for the boys and we’ve seen some good results, both on grass during and after Wimbledon, and at the US Open last week,“ Rafter said.
“Lleyton won the title in Newport, Nick had a fantastic run at Wimbledon, beating Rafa to make the quarters and he continued his momentum at the US Open. Gooch and Sam have won six doubles titles together alone this year and I’m pleased to bring Sam into the team for his Davis Cup debut.
“It was unfortunate Bernie had to withdraw from the US Open and won’t be able to play next week. We all wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on court soon.
“Uzbekistan have a strong and competitive team likely to be spearheaded by Denis Istomin. We’re very determined to win and we’ll have to be on top of our game to beat them.
“To be in Perth on the grass at Cottesloe Tennis Club and in front of a home crowd gives the team perfect conditions to try and secure our spot in the World Group for a second year.
“The club has done an amazing job preparing the courts and the venue and it’s terrific to bring Davis Cup tennis to the people of Perth.”
Talented youngster Thanasi Kokkinakis will join the team as hitting partner.
The two nations have met twice before and Australia has won both of these meetings, most recently at the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Asia Oceania Zone Group 1 second round tie in April 2013.
Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie
AUSTRALIA v UZBEKISTAN
Date: 12–14 September 2014
Venue: Cottesloe Tennis Club, Perth, WA
Surface: Grass
Australia
Lleyton Hewitt
Nick Kyrgios
Sam Groth
Chris Guccione
Captain: Pat Rafter
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WA