Australia is facing a tough challenge ahead of their crucial Davis Cup qualifier against Sweden. The pressure is mounting on team captain Lleyton Hewitt to make some critical changes, with several key players battling injuries. Most notably, Nick Kyrgios, who has been plagued by injuries and fitness issues, will not be part of the squad. Instead, three new faces have been introduced to the team, adding a layer of uncertainty to Australia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Davis Cup Finals.
At the beginning of January, Hewitt had named his squad, including Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Nick Kyrgios. However, things have taken a turn since then. According to The First Serve, world No.66 Aleksandar Vukic has now been called up to join de Minaur for singles action. Additionally, Matthew Ebden and John Peers have replaced Kyrgios and Thompson in the squad. The outspoken Australian tennis player, unfortunately, has been ruled out of the competition.
Thanasi Kokkinakis, despite dealing with his own injury issues, has traveled to Sweden with the squad. Kokkinakis had a rough time at the Australian Open, where he was ousted in the second round by British player Jack Draper. After the loss, he revealed that his shoulder had been causing him significant pain, saying, “My shoulder was gone before the match. I just tried to tough it out. I was touch-and-go again to play this week. Took a million painkillers to try and get through.” It’s unclear whether Kokkinakis will be able to perform at his best in Sweden.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Kyrgios’ situation is even more complicated. The former Wimbledon finalist has been struggling with a grade 1 abdominal strain, which he sustained before the 2025 Australian Open. Despite the injury, he played through the pain, eventually losing in the first round in straight sets to Jacob Fearnley. After the match, Kyrgios admitted, “Realistically, I can’t really see myself playing singles match here again. I was knocking on the door from playing some of the biggest events… winning some of the biggest events. When you’re competing for the biggest tournaments in the world and you’re struggling to win sets, physically, it’s pretty tough. It’s just not enjoyable for me.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The upcoming Davis Cup tie against Sweden is pivotal for Australia. Not only is it an opportunity to advance in the Davis Cup, but it’s also a qualifier for the 2025 Davis Cup Finals. The stakes couldn’t be higher! The 29-year-old tennis star last played in a Davis Cup match in November 2019, where he competed against Belgium in the Davis Cup Finals. Since then, injuries have kept him off the court for extended periods.
Nick Kyrgios reveals 2025 plans amidst a battle with injuries
The controversial tennis star’s return to action at the recent Brisbane International was a comeback that even his wrist surgeon didn’t think would be possible. For the unversed, Kyrgios had suffered a full rupture of the scapholunate ligament, an injury that often leaves patients unable to regain normal function even after surgery. Yet, he managed to defy the odds and return to play.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Despite his ongoing fitness challenges, the former Australian Open doubles champion isn’t ready to call it quits on his 2025 season. He remains determined to play in major tournaments, with Wimbledon being a particular goal. Reflecting on his ambitions, Kyrgios said, “I’ll play the Grand Slams, I’ve got my protected ranking. Obviously, Wimbledon is a big one for me. I still feel like obviously, if I don’t have an abdominal strain, I feel when I sustained that five days before a Grand Slam, it’s not ideal. Hopefully, if my body’s feeling good, I’ll be able to make some noise at Wimbledon.”
While his current form may not be ideal, he still has the drive to perform at the highest level. As Australia prepares for the Davis Cup qualifier against Sweden, Hewitt will have to make crucial decisions on how to fill the gaps left by Kyrgios, With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, the team will need to come together to secure a spot in the 2025 Davis Cup Finals. Can Kyrgios retain his form and make a deep run at the Grand Slams?