Brisbane gives Nick a big lift
A RETURN to happy hunting ground Brisbane has provided a fatigued Nick Kyrgios a boost before this week’s Davis Cup first-round tie with Germany, Lleyton Hewitt says.
The Australian team captain said he would have to monitor the world No.14 after Kyrgios backed up his Brisbane International triumph with a gutsy fourthround finish at the Australian Open.
But Hewitt had no doubt his star player would be primed for the first round tie starting tomorrow, saying the Australian No.1 was excited by the prospect of extending his domination of Pat Rafter Arena.
Kyrgios, 22, only has fond memories of the venue after claiming singles rubbers in the Davis Cup triumph over the US last April before his Brisbane International breakthrough last month — his first title on home soil.
“He’s had a big summer so we will monitor him and make sure he gets through, [but] he will be ready,” Hewitt said.
“He was excited when we decided to come back to Brisbane and play Davis Cup.
“The feeling he got from playing here, it gives him a lot of confidence.”
Kyrgios improved three places in the rankings after arriving at the Australian Open as the world No.17 before being beaten in four tight sets in the fourth round against then-world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov.
He also improved his public image, emerging as a fan favourite 12 months after he was booed on court at the Australian Open.
Hewitt hinted that Kyrgios would have pulled off the transformation earlier if the public knew what the 22-yearold did behind the scenes.
“People probably don’t give him the credit he deserves for the stuff he does throughout the year,” he said.
The draw for the first round tie will be held today.