Nick Kyrgios is one among tennis’ most devastating servers.
Former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt was as soon as the sport’s most correct returner.
More: Davis Cup Format Won’t Change, Hewitt Not Happy
Australian captain Hewitt responded with blunt return when requested about Kyrgios’ Davis Cup future. Kyrgios dominated himself out of this month’s Davis Cup Finals.
“I don’t know. You have to ask him,” Hewitt replied. “I can’t try any harder.”
Felix Auger-Aliassime beat Alex de Minaur to clinch Canada’s 2-0 victory over Australia in immediately’s Davis Cup last in Malaga, Spain.
✨ The stage is ready ✨@TennisAustralia are HERE ????????#DavisCup #byRakuten pic.twitter.com/oonMcVML2A
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 27, 2022
Denis Shapovalov opened the day’s play defeating Kyrgios’ doubles companion, Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-2, 6-4 to stake Canada to a 1-0 lead. That set the stage for Auger-Aliassime clinching Canada’s first Cup in its 93-year Davis Cup historical past.
Could Australia have captured its first Davis Cup since 2003 if Aussie No. 1 Kyrgios performed?
That kind of hypothesis sport is like asking would Spain have claimed the Cup if world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 2 Rafa Nadal had been current or if Italy would have hoisted the Cup if it had Jannik Sinner and a completely wholesome Matteo Berrettini.
Still, Hewitt, who led Australia to that 2003 Davis Cup towards Spain alongside teammates Mark Philippoussis and The Woodies, is aware of how harmful his workforce might be with Kyrgios enjoying.
Hewitt is a giant believer in Kyrgios’ sport, has helped the world No. 22 out as a part-time coach every so often and says he is repeatedly tried recruiting the Wimbledon finalist.
“Of course. I try and come here with the best possible team we could field,” Hewitt stated.
The feisty de Minaur, who swept 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-2 in Australia’s semifinal win over Croatia, was 0 for 8 on break-point probabilities towards Auger-Aliassime immediately.
Asked if he’d reached out to Kyrgios, de Minaur advised the media in Malaga “I’ve tried as well, just wasn’t meant to be.”
The 27-year-old Kyrgios, who owns an 11-5 Davis Cup singles document, final performed Davis Cup in 2019.
Kyrgios has been a loyal workforce participant up to now, partnering Daria Gavrilova to win the Hopman Cup for Australia in Perth and becoming a member of forces with buddy Kokkinakis to seize the Australian Open doubles championship final January in a rousing run that captivated the nation.
This season, Kyrgios opted out of each Davis Cup and Laver Cup citing the lengthy schedule and the way prolonged time away from residence has impacted his psychological well being in previous years. In Kyrgios’ absence, Team World upset Team Europe in Roger Federer’s farewell to assert it is first Laver Cup and Team Australia superior to the ultimate falling quick to Canada.
Hall of Famer Hewitt’s post-final feedback sign he is most involved with the gamers he has somewhat than those that aren’t on board.
“I’m gutted for the boys. You know, they put in their commitment and the work, and they did everything right,” Hewitt stated of his gamers. “They have done absolutely everything all year that we have asked of them as a coaching staff.
“We’re simply extraordinarily happy with the hassle and the dedication and dedication that these guys have proven.
“Yeah, they left it all out there once again. We came up slightly short, but, yeah, I couldn’t be prouder. I know all of Australia should be proud of all five guys.”
Photo credit score: Getty